FSU PANAMA CITY DIVE PROGRAM TO HOST STATE PARK JETTY CLEAN-UP

The Advanced Science Diving Program at Florida State University Panama City will host a Jetty Clean-up Day at St. Andrews State Park on Saturday, March 7, starting at 8 a.m.

"Removing aquatic debris, especially old fishing line, from reef areas is not just a good practice—it's a vital responsibility,” said Mike Davis, the director of dive operations for the program. “These materials pose a deadly threat to marine life, entangling fish, sea turtles, and even birds, often leading to painful injury or death.”

The ASDP students and faculty will be joined by the public, park volunteers, and representatives of Panama City Diving and Panama City Dive Center to clean and protect one of the most popular family-friendly swimming locations in Bay County.

“The St. Andrews jetties have developed into a vibrant ecosystem, which continues to suffer damage from debris that blocks sunlight and physically breaks apart developing structures,” said Davis, a retired U.S. Navy captain. “By clearing these pollutants, we’re not only saving individual animals—we’re preserving this miniature ecosystem, which supports biodiversity and sustains the local economy through tourism and fishing.”

All divers and volunteers will meet at the park’s Tidal Pool Pavilions at 8 a.m. Volunteers should bring adequate cutting tools, net bags for debris, and gloves. FSU PC will have a boat in the channel to accept bags if they are too heavy to return to the pavilion by hand.

Davis said every piece of debris removed is a step toward a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future. For more information, contact Davis at md24bq@fsu.edu.