Last Sunday marked a remarkable achievement in our ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment as part of PADI AWARE Week. Oceans 5 Gili Air organized a reef cleanup in the harbor, with eight dedicated volunteers joining forces to remove an astonishing 93.5 kg of rubbish from the ocean. This event not only underscored the importance of marine conservation but also highlighted the growing community involvement in preserving the beauty and health of our underwater ecosystems.

Gathering and Briefing

The day began at 16:30, when our volunteers assembled at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Despite the overcast skies, the energy and commitment among the group were palpable. The session started with a comprehensive briefing, focusing on safety protocols, the importance of teamwork, and the types of debris to look out for. Safety was our top priority, and each volunteer was paired into buddy teams to ensure everyone had support while underwater. The briefing also covered the proper techniques for collecting rubbish, emphasizing the need to avoid damaging the coral or disturbing marine life in the process.

The Cleanup Dive

Equipped with mesh bags, gloves, and determination, the volunteers entered the water for an hour-long dive in the harbor area. The harbor of Gili Air, a bustling hub where tourists arrive from and depart to Bali, is unfortunately a hotspot for marine debris. The constant flow of people, from locals enjoying food at the warungs to children playing on the beach, inevitably leads to small bits of plastic and other trash ending up in the ocean. Despite the best efforts of Oceans 5 Gili Air, which has installed trash bins along the street and conducts daily cleanups, some of this litter still finds its way into the water.

As the volunteers descended, they quickly began to encounter a wide variety of rubbish. The haul included plastic bottles, food wrappers, discarded fishing gear, and even a few unexpected items like an old tire and a rusted metal frame. The diversity of the debris collected was a stark reminder of the impact human activity has on the marine environment. However, the sight of these items being removed from the reef was equally heartening, knowing that each piece collected would no longer pose a threat to marine life.

The Impact of Human Activity

The harbor of Gili Air is a focal point for the island's daily life, serving as a meeting point for both locals and tourists. Unfortunately, this high level of activity also makes it a hotspot for marine pollution. The trash that ends up in the ocean comes from a variety of sources—tourists who may inadvertently drop litter, locals who might not have access to adequate waste disposal facilities, and the general movement of goods and people through the area.

Oceans 5 Gili Air has been proactive in addressing this issue. In addition to organizing reef cleanups, we also participate in weekly beach cleanups in the harbor. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to marine conservation, which has led to a collaboration with the Marine and Fishery government department of Lombok. Together, we are working to collect data and develop strategies for protecting the Gili Matra Marine Park, which includes Gili Air and its surrounding waters.

A Collaborative Effort

The success of Sunday's cleanup would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. These individuals, some of whom were diving for the first time in a cleanup effort, displayed incredible enthusiasm and commitment to the cause. Their efforts not only made a tangible difference to the health of our reef but also set an example for others in the community.

Oceans 5 Gili Air extends its deepest gratitude to all who participated. The results of this cleanup are a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal. Removing 93.5 kg of rubbish from the ocean is no small feat, and it serves as a reminder of the power of collective action.

Looking Ahead

While Sunday's cleanup was a great success, the work is far from over. Oceans 5 Gili Air will continue to organize reef and beach cleanups, and we invite everyone to join us in these efforts. The next cleanup is scheduled for this Friday at 17:00, and we hope to see even more volunteers coming together to protect our precious marine environment.

By participating in these cleanups, you are not only helping to remove debris from the ocean but also contributing to a larger movement aimed at preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the Gili Islands. Let’s continue to work together to make a difference, one dive at a time.