Day 3

A slow rainy morning with lots of boats sheltering from the south westerly in kings... quite a few of us went for a quick splash off the boat in the cold black water to shake the dust off.. a small group shuttled to Claytons hut, and walked up the ridge to the amazing lookout over this part of Port Davey. We used our underwater salvage skills (diving, multiple grapnel hooks, the echo sounder, etc. ) To retrieve the chairs that blew overboard in a dingy transfer..
We spent the afternoon picking up debris in bond bay - at the mouth of James Kelly basin. Fortunately it was a great experience as we admired more shells than we found rubbish, with a total of 29 pieces from both sides of the basin..
One especially ornate glass bottle will not make it to recycling, as it was a historic beverage bottle that will spend its new life as a vase.

Day 2

Starting off the day at Spain bay, we made the short crossing to Bramble Cove. After a hearty breakfast we headed for the beach. We were dropped ashore to a short stretch of pebbly beach nestled amongst the rugged quartzite shoreline. We soon discovered that the high tide line was a tangle of seaweed and micro plastics; we all found a pebbly seat and nestled in for a few hours of seaweed sifting and great conversation.

Yesterday's 1500 m of sandy beach yielded 6,963 pieces of debris. Today's effort of 10,565 pieces was recovered from just 20 m of pebble and tortured drift wood beach.

As the wind looked like it was making, we made our way around the rocks to find a safe pickup spot for the dinghies. After a quick afternoon refuel and a change of clothes, we steamed up the channel into the picturesque Bathurst Harbour to seek shelter.

We rafted up and got into the count. With seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newbies working together, we sorted the day's haul of marine debris in no time!! Sharing a delicious meal of fresh flake, chips and salad, the 2021 cleanup is well and truly under way!

Day 1

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!

Departure Day

What a 24 hours for the crews. We had to leave a day early to beat a strong wet cold front so the 21 strong team have packed two days into one. As we speak Jesse on the Cape Forestier, Harry on the Nena and Bucky on the Rumours are a few hours ahead of us heading along the South Coast. Team Velocity is just passing Recherche Bay with an ETA at Port Davey of about 10 pm.

The coast is glorious today very light winds and a swell of less than a metre. A massive thanks to all our sponsors and supporters without whom this long running expedition would not be possible. We are absolutely pumped for some stunning scenery and glorious days beachcombing on the wild west coast beaches next week.

Logistics

Today was a very busy day for Team Clean.  Ula put the finishing touches on the Pozible Campaign and managed to rustle up nearly $9500 to put towards this years adventure.  Meanwhile Dave and Matt loaded up the generously donated Gillespies Ginger Beer, then managed to extricate the old outboard off the old dingy, pick up the new dingy and bolt the outboard to it.  SP was out working with Mona's 24 Carrot Garden program and picked up some essential supplies from out good friends at Moo Brew. Stefan and Jasper made the late run into town and helped Omiros and the crew at Hill Street Grocer in South Hobart pack the food for the 4 boats. Meanwhile Jesse took a very leisurely cruise on the Cape Forestier down the Channel in preparation for and early departure tomorrow. And that's just the interesting bits :)

Team Clean is setting sail

Team Clean is heading back into the wild waters of South Western Tasmania to remove the detritus of society that litters the beaches of this magnificent coastline.

We have 4 boats and a team of keen adventurers ready for the challenge.  The weather is looking interesting and it looks like we will have to make a run along the coast before a nasty little front whips up the seas. Stay in touch for more updates over the coming weeks.

AWOOOOO! The new Team Clean film is live

Our wonderful Oscar Wyatt has just made the most beautiful little flic about this year's expedition. Check it!