“This event restores my hope,” says Scuba Diving magazine editor Kristin Paterakis of last year’s I.CARE Trash Derby. “It’s heartwarming to see how people from all walks of life can come together to make a difference.”

Along with 700 other divers and coastline stewards, the dive pro cleaned up Florida Keys waters for three days, picking up derelict line, plastic trash and a literal kitchen sink. Despite being billed as a competition, everyone left united in the fight to protect our oceans. In total, they removed a record-breaking 14,000 pounds of trash from Keys waters and mangroves–no small feat!

The 2025 Trash Derby will take place May 1-4, 2025, from Key Largo to Key West. Hosted by Mike Goldberg of I.CARE, the event offers three ways to participate:

(1) Diving for FREE with local dive shops

(2) Diving/snorkeling by private boat

(3) Cleaning up the land and shore

Anyone can join this “Travel for Good” event, a concept that informs regenerative and eco-tourism models. By participating, visitors leave a place better than they found it. In the dive community, this encompasses a host of activities, from lionfish hunts to coral restoration dives to marine debris cleanups.

“I personally hope this event helps reshape the habits of so many in our ‘throwaway society,’” says Goldberg. “Refuse and rethink the need for single-use plastics, styrofoam and the other stuff we find on our cleanups.”

During the Derby, dive shops will offer a free 2-tank dive trip–thanks to title sponsorship from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation as part of the Goal: Clean Seas program and support from Atlantic Trash and Transfer, Mares and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Individuals can sign up for one or multiple trips/days at the same or different shops.

“We want the cleanups to be accessible for all,” Goldberg says. “That’s why we have different categories and why we worked so hard to ensure it’s all free. We want everyone to realize they can make a difference–and to win some cool gear while they’re at it.”

Top prize winners will be announced at a family-friendly festival at Founders Park in Islamorada, Florida, on May 4. Private boat and land-based cleanup participants will vie for $1,000 cash prizes. The party will feature live music, food, vendors and local nonprofits. Raffle and silent auction prizes include an all-inclusive vacation at Sandals/Beaches Resorts, Mares dive computers, Cressi backplates and more.

Goldberg has been a longtime advocate of diver volunteerism, actively promoting the value of these efforts. “To all the divers out there, I challenge you to take this mindset and make a plan to give back to the ocean for one day on every dive trip,” he says. “Can you imagine the impact our community will have if we actually do this?”

Get involved in the 2025 Derby (May 1 – 4, 2025):

Sign up: icaretrashderby.com

Registration opens December 15.

Volunteers are needed at weigh stations to help sort and count debris – visit https://www.icaretrashderby.com/volunteer

Ways to Participate:

• With a local dive shop

  If you are a certified diver, you can join a local participating dive shop

  REGISTER HERE FOR FREE

• Land & Shore

  Walk the shoreline, use your own paddle board/ kayak, or join one of several organizations hosting land based clean ups.

  REGISTER HERE FOR FREE

• Private Boat

  Use your own boat or rent a boat to take out divers and/or snorkelers to collect submerged debris.

2025 SCHEDULE:

• May 1, 6 p.m.: Team leader meeting
• May 2-3, Sunrise to Sunset: debris collection
• May 4, 12 p.m.: Free festival