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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 29, 2026Miami-Dade

Divers remove 1,000 pounds of debris from artificial reefs near Fort Walton Beach

A cleanup crew removed over 1,000 pounds of debris, including 12 miles of fishing line, from ten artificial reef sites off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The operation was a partnership between the county’s natural resources team and the organization Force Blue.

environmentmarine conservationwaste managementwildlife protection
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Why It Matters

The removal of debris from local reefs aims to reduce hazards to marine life, such as sea turtles, which are frequently entangled in discarded fishing gear.

Key Facts

  • Over 1,000 pounds of debris were removed from ten artificial reef sites.
  • The debris included 12 miles of discarded fishing line.
  • This was the sixth reef cleanup mission conducted by the partnership.
  • The operation involved a collaboration between the county’s natural resources team and Force Blue.
  • Discarded fishing line poses a threat to marine life, including sea turtles.
  • A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle was recently rescued from fishing line in Navarre Beach.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSunbeam Television Corp“Copyright holder”personCheri Dexter“Diver participating in the cleanup”locationDestin-Fort Walton Beach“Area where artificial reefs are located”organizationForce Blue“Organization partnering with the county for cleanup”locationNavarre Beach“Location of a recent sea turtle rescue”personDanielle Lasseigne“Diver participating in the cleanup”locationFort Walton Beach“Location of the cleanup operation”