Eco-warriors celebrate biggest Cape-to-Cape beach clean-up season yet
Volunteers have celebrated after another successful beach clean-up and reminded residents they can take rubbish from the ocean area every time they visit.
While volunteers turned out in good numbers for the recent Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s WA Beach Clean-Up, participants noted the persistent problem of rubbish spoiling local beaches was too important for just a once-a-year effort.
Tangaroa Blue chief Heidi Tait said while the war on waste was going well locally and in other locations, microplastics were a scourge.
During her return to the region, Ms Tait reflected on the first beach clean-up she held at Ellensbrook 20 years ago which spurred an international movement.
“I am so humbled and so proud because we started here in Margaret River at Ellensbrook Beach 20 years ago and the community has continued to support this event,” she said.
“The success here has resonated across the country.
“The cargo ships turn that corner in Augusta and we’re seeing a lot of litter that is illegally dumped, and we also find a lot of commercial fishing litter,” she said.
“That’s why it’s important that we record and analyse the data at a regional level. Citizen science works because you can collect good data, engage the right stakeholders, and make a change that’s measurable.”
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region volunteers as well as the new Margaret River Future Council junior members helped lead the charge during the clean-up.
Volunteers then assembled at Brewhouse to sort and tag their trash for the Australian Marine Database.
Future Council parent co-ordinator Leanne Cordero told the Times her young charges were especially thrilled to have Ms Tait drop in while they were working at Gracetown.
“It’s important to clean up beaches because it has a good effect on the environment,” eight-year-old Sunny Godling said.
“We need to take rubbish away from beaches so that animals don’t die.”
Cooper Cordero, also eight, said all residents could pitch in to help protect the local environment.
“Everyone should help our environment because we need the plants and animals to help us survive, like trees help us breathe and clean the air,” he said.
“We need plants because they grow fruits that give us nutrients.
“So let’s all take our place in making the world a better place. We can do that by picking up rubbish whenever we see it and not chopping down as many trees.”
Nature Conservation coastal officer Mandy Polley thanked all participants.
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