Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Bennett.
Hi Anna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In response to the growing amount of fishing gear on our reefs and the direct impact they have on sea turtles, The National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation created the “Reel It In for the Reefs” event, an annual diver-led reef cleanup spanning South Florida. Led by the Foundation’s Director of Operations, Anna Bennett, the event brings together commercial dive boats, local dive shops, and volunteer divers to remove fishing line, plastic, and other debris from both natural and artificial reefs.
What began in 2004 with 8 dive boats and 150 divers removing more than 750 lbs of debris in one morning has now grown to 25 boats and 400+ divers from Martin through Miami-Dade counties. Last Friday, April 24th, the third annual event collected over 1500 lbs. of trash, and over 100 miles of fishing line across 120 miles of coastline. The 4th annual event is scheduled for April 23, 2027.
All debris recovered during the event is sorted, weighed, and documented following established marine-debris protocols. Cleanup data is submitted to SEAFAN, a citizen reporting and response system designed to improve the protection and management of Southeast Florida’s offshore coral reefs, PADI AWARE, and is counted as part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup. Fishing line is recycled through Coastal Connections in Vero Beach.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation conducts research on the highly endangered hawksbill sea turtles that reside on Florida’s reefs, leading to the rescue and eventual recovery of a young hawksbill turtle that had become severely entangled in fishing line. Its plight inspired Ms. Bennett to bring divers together to reduce these impacts on our local marine life.
Coordinating hundreds of divers over multiple counties is a challenge, but the enthusiasm was very high, and everyone was willing to assist as well as they could.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ms. Bennett has been involved in a number of ocean-related industries her whole career. From operating a fleet of dive boats to managing commercial marinas, Anna has a deep knowledge and appreciation for marine conservation. As a long-time volunteer for the Foundation’s ‘Florida Hawksbill Project’, she joined the National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation several years ago, and now manages the day-to-day operations and coordinates research expeditions in South Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation is a non-profit organization that relies on charitable contributions to conduct its programs. Sponsorships, particularly for the reef cleanup, are vital to its success. We also encourage dive shops, dive boats, and divers to not only get involved with the event itself, but also continue to promote the protection of the reef ecosystem throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reelitinforthereefs.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=national%20save%20the%20sea%20turtle%20foundation
- Other: https://www.savetheseaturtle.org
