Once again, divers and ocean lovers on the Sunshine Coast came together to do their part in saving our beautiful ocean, in Porpoise Bay. This successful cleanup took place September 24, 2011, which included more than 34 volunteers, and many organizations on the Sunshine Coast. Everybody worked together to cleanup almost 1000lbs of debris, and we were able to recycle approximately 400 bottles and cans. Among the debris, was an automobile bench seat and two batteries, many bottles and cans, cigarette butts, some piping, a few tires, some crab traps, and a message in a bottle. Fortunately, there were no entangled animals found this year, and evidence of nudibranch egg masses show that the inlet is healthy and flourishing.

Sirens by the Sea Steakhouse and the Lighthouse Pub were kind enough to feed all of our hungry volunteers, and Suncoast Diving offered free air to all divers, as well as half priced rental gear. The The District of Sechelt volunteered disposal of the debris we collected, with much help from Steve Day, volunteering his own time and boat to aid in controlling boat traffic, along with transportation of debris. Direct Disposal offered a container for recyclables, and a tent was generously donated by Rent-It-Canada.

This event is run every year to not only help cleanup the ocean, but also to bring awareness to people in the community about what happening to our most beautiful commodity.

Sarah Park 2011 ©