Call to action for Tasman Bay Big Beach Clean-up

October 1st, 2012
[DOC press release]

With the sun now getting higher in the sky, the days longer and thoughts turning to spending more time at the beach, a call to action is once again going out to the community to help spring clean Tasman Bay beaches in time for summer.

A Tasman Bay Big Beach Clean-up is to be held for the third year running, this year on Saturday 10 November. Hundreds of volunteers cleared tonnes of rubbish from beaches in the previous two beach clean-ups, organised by the Department of Conservation in partnership with the Tasman District Council, Nelson City Council and NELMAC Ltd.

The call is now going out for community groups to sign up to clean one of 50 sections of beaches spread over 295 kilometres of Tasman Bay coast, from Abel Tasman National Park to Cable Bay. Around half those coastal sections have already been taken up by groups who took part in previous beach clean-ups.

Groups can find out more about the beach clean-up and register to take part on the DOC website .

DOC Acting Motueka Area Manager Mark Townsend said the annual Big Beach Clean-up was a great way for the community to care for their environment.

"Last year's collection of six tonnes of rubbish was outstanding. Clubs, groups and businesses are encouraged to get organised and get involved in this year's beach clean-up.

"We are looking forward to another great day with lots of local people getting a day out for the good of everyone who enjoys our Tasman Bay beaches and coast. Businesses have used the event as a team-building exercise and many reported they had a great time exploring new places for the first time."

The coastal sections are of varying lengths and are ranked easy, medium and difficult in terms of ease of access and the terrain. Groups are encouraged to register for a section suited to the size of their group and the capability of their members. Groups with appropriate skills and experience are sought for difficult sites which require boat access.

With low tide at 12.30pm on 10 November, participating groups are encouraged to get out early in the morning to make the most of lower tide levels to collect rubbish from tidal areas.

In the event of bad weather on 10 November the event would be postponed till the following day, Sunday 11 November.

Last year photos of beach-cleaning groups were posted on the DOC website for a couple of months acknowledging the tremendous effort put in by those involved.

Mr Townsend said sadly much of what is found washed up on beaches was swept down rivers or thrown from passing vehicles.

"Litter should be recycled, reused or contained in a land fill somewhere safe. Plastic bags and bottles are especially harmful for marine mammals that can swallow smaller items mistaking items as food."

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
Greenwood Active Health Great Shape Today T.O.A.D. Hall