Saturday, January 13, 2007

On Saturday, January 13, 2007, the skies were uncharacteristically cloudy over Bonaire, but that didn’t put a damper on the spirits of the group of approximately forty divers and snorkelers who gathered to help clean up a portion of Kralendijk’s shoreline and underwater terrain.

After a comprehensive briefing by Susan Davis of NetTech, the divers geared up, and, divided into two groups, headed north and south of Dive Friend’s Yellow Submarine dive facility on the waterfront promenade.

Shore duty was handled by Bonaire’s own Dee Scarr, assisted by Christine Trosztmer, who inspected all materials and trash as they were brought up to ensure the least disturbance to any marine animals who may already have been inhabiting the trash. The result of the cleanup consisted of the usual materials lost in the water: drinking bottles, cans, fishing line, plastic cups and plates, PVC pipes, pieces of iron, copper and stainless steel. However, this cleanup did yield some unusual trash: a full bottle of ketchup, an unused diaper, and nearly sufficient parts to reconstruct a jet ski.

After the dive, all participants were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the quarterly Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses. Participants supplied side dishes such as salads, onion quiche, and home-made (warm) cookies!

The next cleanup dive organized by Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2007. All those on Bonaire at that time are welcome to join in. Meet at Dive Friend’s Yellow Submarine facility at 1:00 PM.