Tasman Bay beaches cleared of 5.5 tonnes of rubbish

November 13th, 2012

Tasman Bay beaches will be a whole lot cleaner this summer after hundreds of local people cleared 5.5 tonnes of rubbish from the coast on Saturday.

Rubbish was removed from around 300 kilometres of coast between Abel Tasman National Park and Cable Bay in the third annual DOC Big Beach Clean-up, organised by the Department of Conservation in partnership with Tasman District Council, Nelson City Council and NELMAC Ltd.

Rubbish cleared included tyres, rusty drums, nets, baby seats, surfboards, camping equipment and quite a lot of plastic and glass. Department of Conservation Acting Area Manager Brian Paton expressed a big thank you to the beach-cleaning volunteers.

"It's been a tremendous community effort once again to spring clean our Tasman Bay coast. Beaches will be more enjoyable for beach-goers this summer with the rubbish removed. It also makes them safer for wildlife that can get entangled in beach debris, causing some to die.

"We appreciate the enthusiasm from the community for helping to care for our coast which is a big part of the lifestyle locals enjoy in Nelson Tasman."

The collection of less rubbish this year than last year's 6.5 tonnes is an encouraging indication more care is being taken with rubbish. However, plenty of litter was found alongside main roads and this serves as a reminder not to throw rubbish from vehicles.

To help keep coastal areas clean, people should take away with them anything taken to beaches and out on the sea and dispose of rubbish carefully and appropriately.

DOC thanks Motueka New World for its support to the event. Thanks also go to NELMAC Ltd for their help with traffic management plans for coastal sections by state highways for ensuring the safety of beach clean volunteers.

In the first DOC Big Beach Clean-up, in November 2010, 10.4 tonnes of rubbish was collected.

As part of the event, a team involving Motueka resident Malcom Garrett reported a great day out for all concerned as they tackled the difficult task of accessing Jackett Island.

"So near and yet so far away, unless you have boats to get there," Malcolm told Motueka Online. "Luckily we made good friends with islanders, the Jewells, who not only helped us with their dinghy, but assisted us to get our sacks of rubbish gathered up from points around the island.

"Our party was made up of children and adults, plus some grandparent class, from St Peter Chanel parish. We all had a great time, in six teams, exploring the shorelines.

"We were amazed to find so much decayed plastic bag material washed up on the high tide mark in sheltered areas. Others found wrecked surf boards, and scraps of building materials.

"All had a happy day, and would probably do it again. The chocolate fish at the end were an appropriate reward. Thanks to Brian, Bruce, Paul, and Kerry for their great support on the day."

>> , 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