Saturday, January 14, 2006

On Saturday, January 14, 2006, an enthusiastic group of 24 divers met at Bonaire Yellow Submarine to coordinate the first clean up dive of 2006. Joining them were 8 others who were committed to shoreline cleanup as well as shore support for the divers.

After a comprehensive briefing by Jake Richter, of NetTech (a co-sponsor of the Quarterly Clean Ups), the group geared up and walked the short distance to the dive site, Something Special, on the southern side of the Harbour Village Marina. All divers were informed on what type of trash to bring up, safety in regard to boating activity in the marina, as well as information on how to avoid harming the reef or other marine animals. Bonaire’s own Dee Scar also joined the shore support to ensure as little impact as possible to marine animals would occur.

During this cleanup, the following trash was collected and removed for proper disposal: 11 plastic beverage bottles, 14 other bottles, 5 caps or lids, 6 cups, 60 pieces of fishing line, 73 plastic pieces, 3 pipe thread protectors, 73 pieces of rope, 5 straps, 2 vegetable sacks, 8 other miscellaneous plastic pieces, 26 pieces of foam plastic, 94 pieces of glass, 5 tires and other items manufactured of rubber, 39 pieces of metal, 27 pieces of paper, 13 pieces of lumber, and 39 pieces of cloth.

That evening, over 40 persons enjoyed the camaraderie at the evening Pot Luck BBQ, when all participants returned to Yellow Submarine to feast upon tenderloin, chicken, and ribs, sponsored by Yellow Submarine, NetTech, and PSI/Sherwood Scuba. Side salads and other accompaniments were provided by the participants themselves.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup will be conducted on Saturday, April 8, 2006--all are welcome, divers and non-divers alike. Meet at Yellow Submarine at 1:00 PM.