Saturday, September 16, 2006

On Saturday, September 16th, 2006, a group of 32 divers met at Bonaire Yellow Submarine to prepare and coordinate for the final clean up dive of 2006.

After a comprehensive briefing by Jake Richter of NetTech (a co-sponsor of the Quarterly Clean Ups), the group geared up and headed out to the dive site, an area of coastline between the Something Special dive site and the fisherman’s pier. All divers were briefed as to what type of trash to bring up, as well as information on how to avoid harming the reef or other marine animals.

By 2:00 PM, the volunteers were all geared up and in the water where they found a rather strong current going north. Equipped with bags, scissors, and lifting gear provided by Yellow Submarine, the divers managed to collect over two hundred kilograms (440 pounds) of garbage, consisting of numerous bottles and cans, cups and plates, pieces of fiberglass, lost parts of an outboard engine and nine car tires. Even a brand new towel was found, which will be re-cycled for use. An upside down wheelbarrow remained, as the sea had already begun to claim it as its own: coral had begun to colonize on the metal.

At 5:30 PM, a pot luck barbecue was held for all participants. Drinks and the main course were supplied by the sponsors, while the volunteers brought in soup and salads. Some Danish divers who had participated also contributed with a huge amount of delicious tuna.

A special treat was the prize of an Akona gear bag, donated by sponsor PSI/Sherwood Scuba, which was awarded to Marjolein van Schaik Martinet for having found the most unusual piece of garbage during the clean-up dive--a working bicycle bell.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup will be conducted on Saturday, January 13, 2007--all are welcome, divers and non-divers alike. Meet at Yellow Submarine at 1:00 PM.