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Guinness World Record Judge Michael Empric, who personally counted each diver as he or she went into the water, announced Saturday that 633 people participated in the underwater event. The previous record-holding underwater cleanup was in Egypt, where 614 divers took part in 2015, Empric said, before handing Pavan the plaque acknowledging the new record.

In just three hours, divers plucked more than 1,200 pounds of lead fishing weights from the bottom of the ocean floor, Pavan said.

Pavan said the event brought diving enthusiasts from all over the country to his small town, where he has owned and operated his shop for more than 22 years. Not only did the quest bring a sense of community and comradery to the group, but it also boosted the local economy by filling up hotel rooms and restaurants, Pavan said.

\"PHOTO:
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP
PHOTO: Divers enter the water in an attempt to break the world record for the largest underwater cleanup at the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Saturday, June 15, 2019.
>

About 80 snorkelers and 150 beach volunteers also participated -- all united with a single goal of helping the environment, he said.

\"I think everybody was happy,\" said Pavan. \"There was a sense of friendship, helping each other.\"

While the volunteers didn't find much plastic garbage during the cleanup, Pavan said the number one item he sees littering the coral reefs when he takes people out on dives are plastic shopping bags.

The marine enthusiast said he is \"slowly\" trying to educate the community to be more conscious and more aware of conservaton.

In the future, Pavan said he hopes to organize multiple cleanup events throughout the year.

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