Diving in to help marine life

Katie Schultz with the National Association of Underwater Instructors hands up debris found Sept. 10 near the Anna Maria City Pier. Scientists estimate that more than 11 million metric tons of plastic enters waterways each year — the equivalent of one garbage truck full of trash each minute, according to Pepsi Stronger Together. Force Blue, a nonprofit uniting military veteran divers, along with Pepsi Stronger Together, Suncoast Aqua Ventures, NAUI, Keep Florida Beautiful and Keep Manatee Beautiful, took part in the cleanup that launched from Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach. More, page 2. Islander Photo: Amber Sigman

Volunteers head out from the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach Sept. 10 on a mission to remove underwater debris and ghost gear — discarded fishing gear and line — at Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier.

Force Blue and Pepsi Stronger Together volunteers hand off fishing debris found at the Rod & Reel Pier Sept. 10 to a Suncoast Aqua Ventures crew — part of a cleanup effort to save marine life. Scientists estimate that more than 136,000 dolphins, sea turtles and whales get entangled in abandoned fishing gear each year, according to Pepsi Stronger Together. Islander Photos: Amber Sigman

Matthew Demaio, a Marine Corp veteran and volunteer with Force Blue, pulls up debris Sept. 10 from Tampa Bay near the Anna Maria City Pier.

Diver Jeff Gum, a retired U.S. Navy Seal volunteering with Force Blue, surfaces in Tampa Bay Sept. 10 at the Rod & Reel Pier after collecting discarded fishing line and other gear from the waters.