Annual beach cleanup event to reach upriver.

Using a watershed approach, the Scuba Dogs Society will conduct river and estuary cleanups accompanied by environmental education, the collection of scientific data through citizen science tools, and awareness campaigns about the impact of overconsumption and single-use plastics.

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of Earth Month 2026, the Scuba Dogs Society (SDS) announced on Monday the event “Caring for Puerto Rico from the Mountain to the Reef,” which will take place on Saturday, April 25 starting at 8 a.m., with simultaneous cleanups of rivers and estuaries throughout Puerto Rico. 

The organization also announced that volunteer registration is now open for the environmental and community impact initiative. This year, SDS is focusing its efforts on protecting Puerto Rico’s aquatic systems, recognizing that much of the waste that reaches the coasts originates upstream.

Using a watershed approach, the organization will conduct river and estuary cleanups accompanied by environmental education, the collection of scientific data through citizen science tools, and awareness campaigns about the impact of overconsumption and single-use plastics.

“At Scuba Dogs Society, we promote an integrated view of our ecosystems,” SDS Executive Director María E. Ocasio Torres said. “Everything that happens in the mountains has a direct effect on our coasts and reefs. Through this initiative and the workshops we will be offering throughout the month, we aim to help more people understand this connection and become agents of change in their communities.” 

As part of the event, cleanups will be carried out in various bodies of water, including rivers and estuaries in municipalities such as Añasco, Barceloneta, Dorado, Fajardo, Loíza, Luquillo, Río Grande and Yabucoa, among others. 

Those interested in participating can register at https://red.scubadogssociety.org/registro-mes-del-planeta.

The event is open to the general public. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers are encouraged to come prepared with reusable work or gardening gloves as part of efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics. They are also advised to bring a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, and light snacks to stay hydrated and energized during the activity. The SDS will certify up to four hours of green contact or community service for participating students.

The SDS urges individuals, families, communities, businesses and organizations to join the collective effort and be part of the solution to the pollution of island waterways by registering at https://red.scubadogssociety.org/registro-mes-del-planeta. More information is available at the organization’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram or at www.scubadogsociety.org.