We woke to lapping water in Bramble Cove after a glorious run into Port Davey the evening before. The pre-frontal rain early, in the morning, kept us close to our cabins drinking tea and listening to weather forecasts. Velocity headed off early into Melaleuca Inlet to unload building materials for Parks and Wildlife. All four boats regrouped and headed for Spain bay around lunch time, a sheltered beach to begin beach combing. Time for the new kids to get their feet wet, get their eye in and learn the difference between a noodle and a nerdle. Time to focus on the micro minutiae of plastic.
Eighteen volunteers, nine first timers, scoured the bay from the southwest corner to the northeast end. All types of marine debris were collected with a high percentage of plastic bottle tops and small rope pieces. Micro plastics littered the high tide line, especially around the creeks. Veteran volunteers expected the count to be much higher around the creek and historically higher volume areas but were pleasantly surprised to find less debris.
Hours of bobbing, kneeling, scrounging and sifting leads to achy thighs, keen eyes and heavy hearts.
As we shuttled back to our respective boats a little rain squall arrived but otherwise the arvo had been pretty dry. We had a quick refuel on board our home boats and then off to Velocity for "the count". Newbies debate whether it's the dreaded count, the highly anticipated count or the most important aspect of our work. The count took place on Velocity's deck amidst a flurry of frenzied activity. Much to learn for the newbies. Veterans commented on the rise in micros and the decrease in larger pieces on this beach. As we finished the sun broke through the grey clouds and parts of the remote and rugged land glowed golden. A quick break for dinner and the final micro count on Rumours brought the grand total for the day up to 6,963!
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