Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Banderas Bay will soon get a major cleanup as preparations get underway for Puerto Vallarta’s Third International Trash Fishing Tournament, scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Organized by the non-profit group Limpia tu Mar Puerto Vallarta A.C., the unique competition trades traditional game fishing for marine debris removal. The goal is simple: pull as much waste out of the ocean as possible while bringing community attention to the massive global issue of marine pollution.
Rigoberto Pedroza Jagger, president and founder of Limpia tu Mar A.C., shared that while the official tournament rules and registration details have not yet been released, the organization is already hard at work behind the scenes. A formal press conference will take place soon to share full details with the public.
The underlying message of the event extends far beyond a single day on the water. Pedroza emphasized that true ocean conservation starts long before garbage reaches the shore. Effective waste management begins at home through basic daily habits like reducing plastic use, recycling, and properly separating trash. By putting volunteers directly in touch with the waste floating in the bay, organizers hope to inspire long-term changes in how people manage household garbage.
This hands-on strategy has already proven effective. The inaugural tournament in October 2024 set a high bar when participants pulled 2.3 tons of trash from the bay. The effort expanded significantly during the second edition at Los Muertos Pier, where volunteers collected 3.5 tons of marine debris.
By bringing together residents, local businesses, and visitors, the event aims to position Puerto Vallarta as a proactive leader in environmental stewardship. Instead of just relying on scenic coastlines to draw visitors, the community is actively working to safeguard the natural resources that sustain local tourism and support marine life.
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