Restoring the Lake Depths
Restoring the Lake Depths is the only organization using remote operated vehicles (ROVs) with a gripper tool for deep water litter cleanup and surveying.
What we do...
We offer a range of environmental and land management services, including professional surveying using high-quality photography and videography to capture detailed site data. Our team also provides efficient trash removal to help maintain clean and sustainable spaces. Additionally, we specialize in sample collections for environmental analysis, ensuring accurate data for research and regulatory compliance. Our expertise extends to identifying invasive species, helping to protect native ecosystems through early detection and management strategies. With a commitment to precision and environmental stewardship, we deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
Survey photography and videography
We provide surveying services using high-resolution photos and videos to capture precise site details for analysis and documentation.
Object retrieval for sample or removal
We offer a specialized service for retrieving samples or objects from the lake, using advanced equipment to ensure safe and precise collection for analysis or retrieval.
Trash removal
and clean up
Our trash removal services uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), allowing us to efficiently locate and clear debris from underwater and hard-to-reach areas.
Invasive species identification
Our ROVs' high-tech cameras can identify invasive species, capturing detailed underwater imagery for accurate detection and monitoring
The Foundation
Defending Tahoe's Depths: A United Effort Against Microplastics and Debris
Lake Tahoe, a jewel of North America, faces a growing threat: microplastic pollution. Human activity, though bringing enjoyment, leaves behind a trail of toxins, trash, and debris that jeopardizes this pristine ecosystem. Microplastics, insidious particles from everyday products, infiltrate our waters, absorbing harmful pollutants and entering the food chain, threatening both wildlife and human health.
We are actively countering this impact. As a certified NV 501(c)(3) non-profit, our mission is to restore and protect Lake Tahoe's unparalleled clarity and ecological balance. We employ a powerful combination of advanced robotic technology and skilled divers. During the summer of 2024 alone, our team actively removed upwards of 13 tons of debris and microplastics from the lake along the South Shores of Lake Tahoe, demonstrating our commitment to tangible results. Through our fleet of specialized ROVs, including our flagship Deep Emerald, we meticulously remove remaining debris and collect crucial data. Our divers, working in tandem, address areas requiring a more hands-on approach, ensuring a comprehensive cleanup effort. We are also pioneering solutions to combat microplastic contamination, from targeted removal to preventative strategies.
Our aspiration is a future where Lake Tahoe thrives, free from the burden of human-generated pollution. We believe in leveraging innovation and dedicated human effort to reverse the damage and safeguard this natural treasure for generations to come. Your support empowers us to expand our efforts, deploying our ROVs and divers to tackle the challenges head-on. By joining our foundation, you become a vital part of the solution, helping us defend Tahoe's depths and ensure its enduring health.
Together, we can turn the tide. Let's actively remove the legacy of pollution, restore the balance, and champion the enduring beauty of Lake Tahoe. Join us in making a tangible difference.
An innovative approach to removing trash from Lake Tahoe using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to reach depths of over 500 meters.
RTLDF devised a high-tech gripper to retrieve debris from the depths of Lake Tahoe, bolstering conservation efforts for the lake’s ecosystem. This innovative tool merges advanced underwater technology with grassroots environmental activism, showcasing a collaborative approach to safeguarding the natural splendor and ecological integrity of Lake Tahoe. Through community-driven initiatives like this, we are actively contributing to the preservation and restoration of one of California’s most cherished natural treasures.
22
Projects Involved With
6.8
Total Trash Removed w/ ROVs
(tons)
We Take Pride In Our Numbers
16
Years of Experience
5+
2024 Trash Removed
(tons)
5+
Trash Removed in 2024
(tons)
6
Current Projects
