Scuba divers around the world battle the ocean’s silent killer – marine debris – every day. But during Project AWARE’s Debris Month of Action this September, we’re inspiring action and fueling solutions for this growing ocean issue.

More than six million tons of marine litter is estimated to enter the ocean each year. Once there, our trash accumulates and includes everything from plastic bags, food wrappers and drink bottles to car batteries, fishing nets and industrial waste.

During September’s Debris Month of Action, divers and ocean advocates can join Project AWARE to:

• Dive Against Debris with a dive buddy or join a community event.

• Make a gift that helps prevent the deaths of thousands of marine animals who eat or get tangled in litter each year. Now, through September 2013, Dive Against Debris sponsor, Oris Watches, will match your donation up to $10,000.

• Pledge to Dive Against Debris all year round.

“Marine debris kills countless marine species silently and needlessly each year. But divers are using their unique skills to fight back and contribute the underwater debris data needed to show the true extent of the marine debris problem and devise solutions,” says Alex Earl, Executive Director, Project AWARE Foundation.

“Diving has long been a part of the Oris heritage and we are delighted to support Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris program. We have always been a supporter of marine conservation and ocean debris is a problem that many people are not aware of. Through our matching program, we are hoping to bring more awareness to this issue and help protect the ocean,” says Ulrich Herzog, Executive Chairman, Oris Watches.

Pervasive debris kills wildlife, destroys habitats and threatens our health and economy. Found in even the most remote ocean places, once underwater, debris can remain for generations. Together, we can stop marine debris by taking local action and supporting policy change.

For more information and to download the tools to take action, visit projectaware.org