Project AWARE Clean Up Day April 2009

Mermaids Dive Center took part in Dive into Earth Day on Wednesday 22nd April in which volunteers from over 100 countries worldwide take part to celebrate our ocean planet and put underwater conservation on the Earth Day map. Mermaids chose the south side of Koh Sak (a near island in Pattaya) to clean up.
15 people took part in the clean up and were all organised and ready to go with the essential clean up items and of course determined to make their difference on this special day.

Following the brief set out, everyone dived in with their clean up kits and set about collecting trash from the seabed. As always all items are carefully examined before removing them from the seabed as they may contain life within.
After 2 dives and the tally was made, over 70 plastic bags, 65 plastic bottles, 120 pieces of building material, items of clothing, lots of fishing line, 30 light bulbs and again the fan belts were put into rubbish bags to be taken back to the port to be disposed of or recycled by our fantastic Mermaids 1 crew. Overall 400 kg’s of rubbish was collected

Other items removed included a toy gun, cards, sock, cassette tape, clothing and an anchor. The most unusual item found on the day was a ceramic pot.
Our wonderful cleaners saved a star fish, crab and baby lobster all found alive but trapped inside abandoned fishing nets. They were all released back into the water into safe areas.

Thanks to everyone that took part and don’t forget we have the big International Clean up day on the 19th September 2009. Please contact us for more information on how to join in. Remember you don’t need to be a diver to make a difference.