Reel It In for the Reefs returned for its third annual edition on Friday, April 24, collecting about 1,550 pounds of trash and more than 100 miles of fishing line from both natural and artificial reefs in South Florida. The National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation created the annual diver-led cleanup in response to a growing amount of fishing gear on reefs. “I think how many participants that have done this all 3 years, and who tell me how much they look forward to it each year,” said Anna Bennett, director of operations at The National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. “It's very heartwarming to know that so many people will drive from other states to participate and will take off work a year in advance. It means a lot to us that so many care.” What started as eight dive boats and 150 participants has blossomed to 24 boats and 300 people during this year’s event. Divers, local boat dive operators, and volunteers removed plastic, fishing line, nylon rope, nets, rubber parts, cans, bottles, and more from reefs on Friday. Calm seas, clear and warm water, and a light current made for a great day up and down the coast of Florida, according to Bennett. “We had a group of four ladies on my boat that were able to remove a very long section (more than half of a mile) of fishing line with a live cleaner crab in it,” Bennett said. “They were able to free him and that is why we do this. To save our marine life, not just turtles either!” Another highlight from the event was finding a glass gin bottle from 1870, which, according to Bennett, is a very rare find. All debris recovered during the event is sorted, weighed, and documented following established marine-debris protocols. Cleanup data is then submitted to SEAFAN, a citizen reporting and response system designed to improve the protection and management of Southeast Florida’s offshore coral reefs, and PADI AWARE. The debris is also counted as part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup and fishing line is recycled through Coastal Connections in Vero Beach.