Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Final 2008 Underwater Cleanup Marks Tenth Anniversary of Keeping Bonaire’s Reefs Clean

On Saturday, September 20, 2008, a group of nearly 40 divers, snorkelers, and shore support, representing several countries, gathered together to assist with the final underwater cleanup of 2008, conducted in an area of Bonaire’s anchorage in front of Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine. 

During a complete briefing, it was explained what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals.  Shortly afterward, the divers entered the water, descended and began to fill their bags with trash.  When filled, the bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support.  There, Dive Friends crew and volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it responsibly.

It was exactly a year since this area of the anchorage had last been cleaned, and in that year, the following trash accumulated and was brought out of the water for proper disposal:  1 paper bag, 3 plastic bags, 4 plastic beverage bottles, 71 glass bottles or beverage cans, caps and lids, 4 pieces of clothing, 12 pieces of monofilament fishing line, 1 fishing lure, 3 pieces of rubber, 23 pieces of assorted plastic, 2 car parts, 7 pieces of building materials, 1 piece of carpet, 1 pair of glasses, 1 anchor, 1 key ring, and 6 pieces of wire.

After the dive, all participants and their families were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the quarterly Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.

Since this particular cleanup, also held in conjunction with World Cleanup Day, marked the tenth anniversary of regular cleanups, four lucky winners were awarded raffle prizes that included free diving services with Dive Friends Bonaire or free Bonaire email accounts with NetTech.

Images from this cleanup are available online at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2008.  Additional information about the cleanups is available at: http://www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/clean_up_dives.html.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)