On Saturday, January 12, 2008, a group of over 25 divers, snorkelers, and shore support gathered together to assist with  underwater/shoreline cleanup of a portion of Bonaire’s waterfront promenade.  This particular cleanup focused upon the shoreline and shallow waters in Bonaire’s anchorage in front of Kas di Regatta (Regatta House).  This area has not been cleaned in 1-1/2 years, and so it was quite ready to be beautified once again.

After a comprehensive briefing by Susan Davis of NetTech explaining what trash to bring up and what to leave behind, the divers walked the short distance to the planned dive site, while their gear was transported for them.  There, they suited up and entered the water for the easy dive to clean the shallows under the yacht anchorage.

As their bags were filled, the divers and snorkelers brought them to those working shore support, who sorted the trash, checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it responsibly.  This small group of volunteers managed to bring up the following trash in just an hour or two:  51 pieces of plastic, including bottles, cups, utensils, rope, and even a cassette tape; 77 pieces of glass, including bottles, food jars, and other glass pieces; 4 rubber pieces; 33 pieces of metal, including cans and wire; 47 pieces of paper, many of which were leftover trash from fireworks on New Year’s Eve; 2 pieces of wood and 13 pieces of cloth.
 
After the dive, all participants and their families 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, while participants supplied side dishes.

Images from this cleanup are available online at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery at http://www.bonaireinsider.com/index.php/gallery_bonaire/category/C49/.

The schedule of remaining 2008 cleanups is available by clicking here.   All are welcome to join in.