06 Jun Puerto Sherry Joins Marine Watch Network with New Seabed Cleanup
Underwater cleanup to take place this Saturday, June 7, with Club Capitán Garfio and local partners
El Puerto de Santa María, June 6, 2025 – For the second consecutive year, Puerto Sherry reaffirms its commitment to marine conservation by joining the Marine Watch Network (Red de Vigilantes Marinos) for an underwater cleanup operation in the marina’s basin, taking place on Saturday, June 7.
A nationwide initiative with local impact
This action is part of a national campaign led by the NGO Oceánidas, which mobilizes volunteer divers and collaborators along the Spanish coastline to remove underwater waste and promote environmental awareness among the nautical community and the general public. This year, the network was honored with the “Agua” Award by WWF, Onda Cero and Atresmedia—chosen from more than 125 nominees in recognition of the efforts of over 100 active teams.
In Puerto Sherry, the cleanup will be coordinated locally by Club Capitán Garfio of Rota, with the support of the El Puerto de Santa María City Council and waste management firm PUSAMA, which will provide the resources for waste collection, sorting, and weighing. All data gathered will contribute to a national scientific database to support biodiversity research and marine waste management strategies.
Blue Flag hoisting to kick off the event
The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the hoisting of the Blue Flag in Puerto Sherry’s ceremonial courtyard, symbolizing the marina’s environmental commitment. The ceremony will be attended by El Puerto’s Environment Councillor, Millán Alegre, members of the Marine Watch Network, and Puerto Sherry staff.
Over 500 kg of waste removed last year
The underwater cleanup will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., involving local dive clubs, nautical businesses, and eco-conscious residents. During the 2024 edition, more than 500 kilograms of debris were removed—highlighting the scale of the issue.
The cleanup also has a solidarity component: through an agreement between Oceánidas, Nueva Pescanova, and FESBAL, each kilo of waste collected will be converted into one kilo of food for Spanish food banks.
A sustainable commitment beyond one day
This cleanup is part of Puerto Sherry’s wider environmental strategy, which also includes:
- Installation of advanced water treatment systems
- Expansion of photovoltaic infrastructure
- Promotion of environmentally responsible practices among marina users
Nicolás Figueras, Puerto Sherry’s General Manager, noted:
“After last year’s success, it was clear we had to do it again. These actions have a direct environmental impact but also help raise awareness. Puerto Sherry will continue to support initiatives that look toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
A call to collective action
Puerto Sherry invites divers, organizations, businesses, and residents to participate in this collective action. Caring for our oceans is a shared responsibility—starting at the local level, one marina at a time.
