One hundred divers plunged into the waters around the Okaloosa Island Pier on Sunday for the final pier cleanup dive of 2026, hauling out nearly 160 pounds of debris in what the pier called a monumental success.
- The effort, led by Coastal Resources Coordinator Danielle Lasseigne, was the quickest cleanup dive the pier has ever conducted. Divers collectively removed 157.78 pounds of debris, including golf balls, rods and reels, a JBL speaker and large quantities of fishing line.
The cleanup was a collaboration between the Okaloosa Island Pier, Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Cory Mitrenga of The Gulfarium served as divemaster for the dive.
While divers worked underwater, Ocean Hour Okaloosa hosted a beach cleanup on land.
Divers also noticed a change beneath the surface. The pier’s depth at its end has increased to 26 feet, up from 22 feet before Tropical Storm Bertha.
The pier said events like the cleanup are part of its mission to be a conservation and eco-friendly destination.
3 Responses
This is SUCH a great idea! Thanx Much to everyone involved…GOODONYA
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to taking care of Okaloosa Island and its animals. We love visiting and are so appreciative of all your efforts.
I hope all the monofilament line that was recovered was recycled. Choctaw Basin Alliance has monofilament recycling receptacles at locations all around the bay—Ft. Walton Yacht Club, several at Destin Harbor, etc. Rather than dumping it in the landfill, it can be recycled. There is a mechanism in place to do this!