180kg marine debris haul in Clean Up the Clyde
By John Longhurst
Fifteen volunteers from Eurobodalla’s Marine Debris Working Group, Region X Social Paddlers and other passionate members of the community undertook an intense clean up of Mcleods Creek from 8.00 -11.00am last Wednesday.
The creek flows into the Bhundoo (Clyde) River then into the South Pacific Ocean. Any marine debris entering Mcleods Creek is at risk of damaging the mangrove ecosystems, as well as the marine life, that lives in the estuary, such as the little penguins on Snapper Island and the surrounding Pacific Ocean.
It is a hotspot for marine rubbish due to its proximity to the Princes highway and Batemans Central Business District (CBD), with people illegally dumping rubbish amongst the mangroves and leaving food packages on the ground. Tidal fluctuations and the unique mangrove ecosystems make it particularly vulnerable.
The clean up expedition was led by Ms Mimosa Henderson, Sustainability Education Officer with Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) and Mr Jaxon Cameron from Region X Unspoilt Experiences.
The morning clean up was conducted in kayaks generously donated by Region X-Unspoilt Experiences.
Mimosa said “The kayaks and expertise provided by Jaxon Cameron from Region X allow access to the mangroves from the water and causes less harm to the mangroves. It’s also fun and engaging, allowing people to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of the Mcleods Creek/Bhundoo River ecosystems. Partnering with local businesses like Region X, not only supports regional business but allows local people to come together to tackle marine debris issues and other environmental challenges as a community.”
The 180kg haul of marine debris on the day included;
• 147 soft plastic film remnants and 110 soft plastic food packaging
• 85 plastic food containers and 26 hard plastic remnants
• An old rusty BBQ and 2 x tyres
• 2 x large sheets of lino/carpet and rubber matting
• 8 electrical items and 20 metal remnants
Mimosa said “We log all of the items that we find into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database called the AMDI App*. This app was created by Tangaroa Blue who are an Australian registered charity that works to prevent and remove marine debris in Australia and across regions. They use the Australian Marine Debris Initiative framework to inspire behaviour change, innovation and empower communities, industry and government to make data-driven decisions that improve ocean health.*”
As well as providing a fun day out on the water the initiative has a lasting impact on the health of the Bhundoo (Clyde) River.
Mimosa said “Removing marine debris from our environment and waterways prevents harm to our incredible flora and fauna, water quality and us humans. Logging the data into the AMDI app can help create change within policies and rules/regulations around packaging, such as banning plastic bags, plastic straws as well as providing significant amounts of data as to where they were purchased, consumed and littered. It’s a holistic approach that involves all different groups ranging from government, businesses and the local community.”
Both the ESC AND Region X are keen to expand the initiative next year.
Photos Courtesy Mimosa Henderson.
