The upcoming survey on the 2 December is the 8th of 8 and the 4th (and final one) since the introduction of the Container Deposit Scheme. Detailed analyses of the data collected from state-wide surveys haven’t been concluded as yet. However, I can say that with regard to beverage containers the indications are that there has been a reduction in the numbers being collected by volunteers up and down the coast. So a big thumbs up!! And also thanks to all those who have participated in marine debris clean-ups adjacent to Coffs Creek over the last 21 months.
We are now asking for volunteers for this last survey. The conduct of the survey can most easily be completed with ~ 14 people, but as you all know – more hands make light work, especially in this instance. It is also worth pointing out that the quantity of trash collected in recent surveys is lower than that collected in the initial surveys from 2017, so the job is getting easier.
Can you contact me re your attendance via the email address below? If you know of anyone else who’d be happy to help out for a few hours then get them to come along. Provide them with my email address (or forward them this email) and ask them to contact me. (bob.edgar@scu.edu.au). I won’t be available on the day and final coordination will be undertaken by Steve Smith and Ian Shaw – many thanks to them.
As I have indicated to you in the past you should wear a long-sleeved shirt, light long pants (or wet weather overpants) and appropriate footwear for walking around in mangroves. If you have gumboots they would be great. Definitely a hat or cap of some kind is also needed. Insect repellent (if you have your own that you would prefer to use please do so) and sunscreen are provided but try to minimise any bare flesh. Gloves for handling trash are also provided.
You might want to also bring along a water bottle and some nibbles to have between transects.
We will meet at the Edgar Street boat ramp, behind Dolphin Marine Magic. Low tide is at approx. 11:00 am so if you could ensure that you are there at 8:45 am for a quick briefing then it would be much appreciated.
Thanks for once again considering this request and hope you will consider coming along to participate.
Regards
Bob
