It would be impossible to tackle the problem of trash in the sea without the help of divers. Meet Alexandros Malagaris who is leading Samos Divers Association in Greece and is asking everyone to join in underwater!
1) What is your role in Let’s Do It Mediterranean?
I am the president of Samos Divers Association (Σύλλογος Αυτοδυτών Σάμου) located in the Greek island of Samos, in the Aegean Sea, East Mediterranean. Samos Divers will be coordinating the volunteer underwater cleanups on the Let’s Do it Mediterranean campaign. Our experience comes from organizing dozens of major underwater cleanups, since 2007. This year, along with the NGO Aquanauts, we coordinated the underwater cleanups of Let’s do it Greece, with a record number of participating scuba divers. Our volunteer underwater work has inspired scuba divers to be more environmental sensitive and act against marine debris. The impressive number of underwater cleanups taking place throughout 2013 is the testament of the birth of a movement of scuba divers fighting against marine debris all over the world.
2) How can divers and diving clubs join Let’s Do It Mediterranean?
Diving clubs, diving organizations and individual divers are all welcome to join the Let’s do it Mediterranean family of volunteers. In the next few weeks we will launch our promotional video along with contact and registration information. Guidelines for a safe and successful underwater cleanup will also be available. In the meanwhile stay tuned with Let’s Do It Mediterranean Blog and Facebook group.
3) What is your personal connection to the Mediterranean sea?
Living on an island I am surrounded by the sea and it’s been my ‘playground’ for four decades. The comparison of my childhood memories of the sea and its current state often saddens me. My deepest motive for getting seriously involved with underwater cleanups is that my son Philippos, age 5, and my daughter Olympia, age 2, will be able to enjoy the wonders of the sea the way I did as a little boy. Abundant sea life in crystal clear waters, with the absence of tires, boat batteries, bottles, cans and plastics.
4) Name 3 changes you’d like to see in people for a healthier environment in next 2 years!
To have a healthier sea we should a) enforce laws against over fishing, b) enforce laws regarding biologic treatment facilities of city waste, c) designate marine protected areas, sea sanctuaries, sea reserves, underwater parks. Right now less than 2% of the Mediterranean Sea is protected.
5) What would be your 2 suggestions for people who want to keep the Mediterranean clean?
Recycle your waste as much as possible. Adopt clean habits when you are on a beach or on a boat and teach others to do the same by giving the good example.
6) What are you doing in your “real” life?
I manage two hotels and a real estate company on Samos island. I am happily married and as I mentioned earlier I am blessed with a great son and a beautiful daughter!
7) Can we clean the Mediterranean Sea in spring 2014?
We will surely try to do so! On the beach, on the surface and in the deep blue!
P.S. You can read about Samos divers and their cleanup event this spring in our blog!
