Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is hosting its fall Dive Against Debris event at the Saltwater Pier. The cleanup is open to scuba divers, snorkelers, and other water enthusiasts. The event is held in partnership with Down Under Dive Shop. Participants can expect free gear and the chance to make a real difference for local marine life.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier, 20800 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores. The pier will be temporarily closed to the public during the cleanup.

Certified divers will receive free rental tanks, and non-divers can pick up free snorkel gear while supplies last. The gear is provided to encourage as many people as possible to participate in the underwater cleanup. Organizers want to make the event accessible to both experienced divers and beginners.

The goal of the Dive Against Debris event is to remove trash, discarded fishing gear, and old fishing lines from the waters around the pier. These items pose a serious threat to sea turtles, fish, and shorebirds that inhabit the waters and shores of Gulf State Park. Removing the debris helps protect the local ecosystem.

Once collected, all debris will be sorted and cataloged by volunteers. Recyclable materials, including lead recovered from old fishing gear, will be set aside for proper recycling. The data collected during the event may also be used to track pollution trends in local waters.

Gulf State Park officials say the event is part of a broader effort to keep Alabama's coastal waters clean and healthy. Down Under Dive Shop has partnered with the park to help organize and support the cleanup. The two organizations have collaborated on similar efforts in the past.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Dive Against Debris event can contact Gulf State Park at 251-948-7275, extension 62093. Organizers encourage participants to arrive early because free gear is available only while supplies last.