Reef Rovers And Sarasota Bay Watch Volunteers

Sarasota Bay Watch Lends a Hand to Suncoast Reef Rovers

The entire Gulf beach under the Venice Fishing Pier is clean thanks to the work of the Suncoast Reef Rovers of Venice and their many friends. A team of divers and helpers descended on Brohard Beach on Saturday July 15, 2017 to remove underwater debris from a spot that is very popular with families, fishers and beach lovers.

Thanks to the many groups who helped including Florida Underwater Sports, Sarasota Bay Watch, Venice Police, Venice Police Citizen Volunteers, Sharky’s Restaurant, Reelcycle, the City of Venice and NAUI Green Diver.  It was a fun group of people who enjoyed good company and perfect weather during the event.

Sarasota Bay Watch Boat
Young Sarasota Bay Watch Volunteers Manning A Booth
Venice Police Helping Out
Florida Undwerwater Sports Bus Helps Out Reef Rovers

The good news is that the pier was pretty clean.  The divers had to search to find debris – and they got ALL of it.  Wow!  There were 27 SCUBA divers assisted by 24 “topsiders” on land, 4 student volunteers, and three boats.

Venice Diver Group under a bridge
Venice Police Citizens Police Academy Volunteers

Interesting marine debris was found such as sunglasses, a guitar pick, $20, a man’s ring, and a cell phone along with the more typical stuff – anchors, traps, rope, knives, lures, line, and rods & reels that altogether added up to 141 pounds of waste.

Volunteer Holding Up An Amazing Bundle Of Debris
Diver Underwater Looking For Debris

The successful event concluded with a generously discounted selection of delicious lunches provided by Sharky’s on the Pier.