Zoomarine has announced the Operation Praia Limpa initiative, which will take place in Silves and Albufeira, on May 19.

The focus of the initiative will be underwater cleaning off the coast of Armação de Pêra, in areas that put the survival of various habitats and marine species at risk, and the organisers are calling for people to join and support the initiative.

The action aims to contribute to the removal of rubbish from the beach and the sea, raising awareness among participants and the Algarve population about combating pollution and protecting the oceans.

Operation Praia Limpa will be divided into two major operations: underwater cleaning and beach cleaning. For the underwater cleanup, with the support of DiveSpot and BioReefAP, 3 vessels and approximately 15 divers and marine biologists will collect abandoned fishing gear and debris of human origin, along various points of the coast and the crest of the natural reef of the Algarve, over a distance of almost 7 miles in length. To clean the beach, Zoomarine challenges all Algarve residents and tourists to contribute by signing up through the event's official page.

Hugo Brites, Marketing and Communications Director at Zoomarine Algarve states “We work daily towards the preservation of species and ecosystems, which is why we maintain our commitment to this initiative and invite everyone to participate. We hope to be able to raise awareness among the community about protecting the environment and the oceans, demonstrating the direct impact that human behaviour has, with the removal of debris in the sea, which directly impacts marine species and habitats.”

In 8 years, Operation Praia Limpa has already contributed to the removal of more than 8 tons of marine litter from Algarve beaches. This year, the objective is to reach at least 10 tons.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://praialimpa.zoomarine.pt/