Ocean Explorers Clean Up Of Whalebone Bay
On Sunday [Apr.15] well over 50 volunteers joined Bermuda Ocean Explorers [BOE] at their Spring Beach Clean Up of Whalebone Bay in Ferry Reach, St. George.
The two hour clean-up began at 2:00 p.m. with introductions and a short presentation by Anne Hyde of Keep Bermuda Beautiful highlighting the effects of plastic in our marine environment, the consequences of not properly disposing of plastics and our culture of single-use plastics such as food containers. Gloves, bags and pickup sticks were provided.
A slight breeze and gorgeous sunny skies allowed not only shore efforts to be successful but the underwater clean up as well as a dozen scuba divers took to the bay, including 8 divers from BIOS and 3 from BSAC.
In common with all marine debris clean ups, all kinds of items were removed including tires, pieces of plastic, bottles, rope, glow sticks, wooden shipping pallets and much more.
A Marine Debris beach survey was also organized and volunteers were able to do four tar transects and a 1-25 meter visible debris transect. Snacks and drinks were provided by sponsors including Groundswell [who offered free t-shirts]. BlueShark and Dive Cult.
Weldon Carl Wade, founding Executive Director, explains: “Our mission is to be an all-inclusive conduit, helping connect divers for the love of diving, regardless of training standard or other affiliation.
“We also want to create a synergy between existing organizations that promote ocean conservation, education and research. We are very happy to work once again with KBB, excited to work with BIOS and will continue to do so going forward with all of our beach and marine clean-up efforts.”
“I want to personally thank everyone who supported this event, the sponsors, volunteers, divers, BIOS, the Bermuda Ocean Explorers team, Shaqir, Calvina, Keenan, Patricia and my girlfriend Sandrine. We are already working on the next one.”
“Further to BOE’s clean-ups, divers can look forward to a variety of events including the second annual ‘Bermuda to Cozumel’ Diving Excursion happening in June, a Summer Sunset cruise also in June, underwater photography competitions, socials and more.”
Bermuda Ocean Explorers is an eco- and diving-oriented organization launched last September. To connect with Bermuda Ocean Explorers, visit bermudaoceanexplorers.com or email info@bermudaoceanexplorers.com
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Category: All, Environment
Looks like a really good turn out. Great work!
What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. See you at the next cleanup!