Beach cleanup drive held on PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025 in Qatar

Some 17 female divers led a team of more than 50 ocean enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds on Saturday (July 19) to hold an underwater and shoreline cleanup drive at Sealine Mesaieed, marking the PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025 in Qatar.Spearheaded by PADI instructor Meech del Carmen and dive master Margaux De Pauw, the initiative was backed by local dive centres, certified divers, environmental volunteers, and members of the wider community, removing over 40kg of waste – mostly composed of difficult-to-recycle debris – in the area."This wasn’t just a women’s dive, it was a community’s dive,” del Carmen said in a press statement. "We may have started under the banner of PADI Women’s Dive Day, but what we witnessed was a collective movement. People showed up not just to clean, but to care.”"Every dive is a cleanup dive, and every diver has the power to pass on joy, purpose, and impact, she said, noting that the event aligns with global efforts to promote ocean conservation, inclusivity, and empowerment through diving. "We want to pass the scuba diving happiness far and wide.”According to the organisers, far more than just a cleanup, the gathering evolved into a joyous celebration of shared purpose and connection.It embraced the theme #SEAstersInAction, honouring the increasing presence of female divers at the forefront of marine conservation, who actively uplift and support one another."Today, I love diving – but for a long time, I didn’t think it was for me,” De Pauw said. "It seemed like something for people who were braver, more adventurous, more experienced.”"Now, I’m here to support every woman who’s curious about the ocean and to celebrate the divers who are protecting our planet,” she continued. "Because divers know the ocean is in trouble, and women protect what they love. That’s why PADI Women’s Dive Day matters.”Equipped with dive tanks and a shared purpose, organisers noted that female divers and 34 surface supporters (a mix of male divers and non-diving volunteers) meticulously cleared marine debris and raised awareness for ocean sustainability.This collaborative effort simultaneously forged new friendships, strengthened community bonds, and demonstrated the lasting impact of grassroots conservation.It is learnt that for 11 years now, PADI Women’s Dive Day has fostered an inclusive environment that encourages individuals of all genders, ages, races, backgrounds, and abilities to confidently explore and protect the ocean.The organisers thanked all the female divers and surface supporters who took part in the event, including partners SantaFe Associates International, Alghais Diving, Bay Divers, Deep Blue Diving, Sea Fever, Al Naham Diving, Alicafe, Cuecastt, Project Paule, and Seashore (sustainability partner).