Krista Jaspers spends most of her weekends diving at Electric Beach/Tracks and always spends about an hour cleaning the reef at the end of each dive. She used to trade her "found" fishing lead for dive weights with a friend who participated in cleanups on the North Shore.
He mentioned the 808 Cleanups app and suggested she join so that she could track the weight she was collecting. Since she knew she would consistently be in the area, Krista officially adopted the site with 808 Cleanups. This month we'll get to know more about Krista and her work as an Adopt a Site volunteer.
What's the most interesting item you've found at a cleanup?
Hmmm... this is a hard one. I have found a lot of crazy "homemade" fishing gear, a few knives, and the odd pair of underwear caught on the reef (don't ask me how it gets there). I often see curious monk seals, and the occasional shark!
What's the most rewarding part of volunteering with 808 Cleanups?
I feel good knowing that I am giving back to the ocean, which gives so much to all of us. Zoning out and cleaning the reef is meditative and also a good workout! My record is 27 lbs of lead in one bag (which we had to tow in on a buoy), but I have swam 23 lbs in under my own power (whilst barely keeping my snorkel above water).
What makes you keep coming back or inspires your cleanup work?
Finding lead and line is addicting! It's like an underwater treasure hunt, and you can actually measure your accomplishments at the end of the dive. It's a great workout too!
What advice would you give to someone curious about adopting their own site?
Just do it! There is no pressure, no requirement to clean up every day, but you get to be a steward of a small slice of this very special island.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know one of our amazing volunteers! If you would like to adopt your own site, send us an email or learn more on our website.
