Johnny's 2012 Cleanup Experience

Johnny Abegg has written down his thoughts on the 2012 Cleanup on the Patagonia website. Please click the link below to hear what we experienced.
 http://www.patagonia.com.au/journal/2012/2012-marine-debris-clean-up/
Thanks Johnny

2012 Wrap

The 2012 edition of the South West Coast Marine Debris Cleanup saw the crew of 19 battle the biggest swells and roughest conditions we have ever experienced. It is a credit to the skippers of the Velocity, Chieftan G and the Breaksea that we were able to make it to the west coast and back and safely access the beaches. During the trip swells rose to over 9 metres and the enthusiastic crew were still keen to clean beaches in 50 knot winds and torrential rain despite numerous cases of sea sickness. In total 27317 items were collected off six beaches totalling around 3 tonnes. In material terms 94% of the rubbish was plastic comprised mainly of rope, bottles and miscellaneous plastic pieces and 2.5% was metal mainly as aluminium cans. Small pieces of plastic, caps and lids continue to be found in increased numbers and these along with small pieces of rope and bait box straps accounted for over 83% of the rubbish items collected. This year the team recovered a back breaking 11,253 items from the beautiful Stephens Beach just south of Port Davey. This beach is exposed to the highest wave energies in Australia and had not been cleaned since 1999. It was a long day for all walking to and from Stephens Beach from Spain Bay, cleaning it from end to end, dragging the rubbish to either end of the beach and then counting the rubbish late into the evening. Thankfully for the crew we were able to access the beach by dingy and we didn’t have to haul the 24 bags of rubbish and assorted loose ropes 2.5 km back overland. The more unusual items found on the shore this year included a chocolate Easter Egg still in its foil wrapper, a Toaster Oven, a Baby’s Bottle and matching pair of walking boots. Once again there was rubbish from all corners of the globe including a Brazilian Water Bottle, numerous Japanese, Chinese and Korean oil and food containers, fishing buoys and trawl nets. Detailed descriptions of the trip along with some photos can be found on our blog site and on the adventure educational website Expedition Class. This year's cleanup was gratefully supported by Dave Wyatt of Southern Ocean Adventures, as well as local fishermen Kent Way, Darren Clark, Pat Leslie and a volunteer crew of 19. Patagonia Australia and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys are the major sponsors providing generous ongoing financial support for fuel, boat charter, food and kitting out the team with appropriate clothing. Gillespie's Ginger Beer, The Wursthaus, The Wursthaus Kitchen, Moobew, Miellerie Honey and the Hill Street Grocer also donated high quality produce to keep the crew provisioned for the week-long trip. The project is run under Wildcare in conjunction with National Parks. The cleanup has now been running for over ten years and we are looking forward to another successful cleanup in 2013

Micks Cleanup Flick

Micks great Cleanup flick - Thanks mate

Waves Waves Waves

Date: 29/4/2012

Location: Cockle Creek to Southport

Rubbish of the Day: Barrels

Species of the Day: Surfus-Maximus

The wind continued to howl for the farewell day of the Cleanup expedition. New friendships formed, and refreshed perspectives ignited. There is something very special about the South West Cleanup that each of us will take home.

The people left on the Chieftan G were entertained with a ‘relaxing’ day of fishing, while the ‘surf-troops’ upon the Velocity were skippered by ‘Dave the Wave’ for some waves to cherish. With the 5-8 Metre swell forecast well and truly here, it was a mild case of nerves as we rounded the point at Cockle Creek to see what was on offer further up the point.

With the big Cleanup in it’s final stages, it was a chance for the surfers on the trip to use the ocean as a means of remembrance. The huge waves were riddled with ruggedness, so we trooped towards Southport for some cleaner waves and a better chance to enjoy mateship rather than bravado.

All in all, the South West Marine Debris Cleanup is that once in a lifetime experience. There was big seas and sea-sickness matched with rainbows and calm sunsets. It’s the Tassie you see in your dreams, and for the 15 volunteers in the Cleanup Fleet an amazing finale and closing chapter that will stay in the memory vault.

Wild Weather

 

Date: 28/4/2012
Location: New Harbour to Cockle Creek
Rubbish of the Day: Baby-bottle
Species of the Day: Cray-magnon Man (aka Spikey Riddoch)

A wild weather forecast had set the tone of the morning, with all ships beating a hasty, if somewhat ragged, retreat back along the coast. A double rainbow framed the view across the wheelhouse of the Breaksea, whilst Shy Albatross wend their way across the waves. We couldn’t have timed it better, as the storm clouds and forecast 7-9m swell rolled in behind. As for the beach clean, we couldn’t have timed it worse… we hit the shore in the pouring rain and proceeded to collect the usual suspects with the added bonus of a full body drenching. Claire’s effort on the beach was unprecedented; a true display of Tasmanian bushwomanship and complete madness yielded a bag of rubbish that pretty much equalled the total of all other bags combined. Late afternoon saw 50% of the crew battle it out in the surf under hail and lightning, whilst the remainder of us smashed out the final count of 615 hard-fought-for items in record time in preparation the final nights celebrations.

Cans Cans Cans

Date: 27/4/2012

Location:  Spain Bay To New harbour

Rubbish of the day: Toaster Oven

Species of the day: Shy Albatross

From the calm of Spain bay we ran down the coast chased by albatross on a following sea, with a boat load of garbage.  Maatsuyker in a sun beam stood out against the low gray sky as we anchored in New Harbour, now known as “Cascade Can Cove” for some Abalone diving.   Of the 1115 pieces, 408 were cans.  For the trip so far we have 23,847 bits of crap off those wild beaches.  Can cove shore is dyed red with dinoflagellates but mostly closing out,. 

The Abs are being beaten by KC, Karen is back from paddling sea arches, mermaid Claire spent half an hour swimming with no wetsuit, garbage is sorted and stowed, The level of laughter is steadily increasing and the forcast is on the radio....  Gale warning 30-40 NW going 35-45 SW Swell increasing to 7-9 metres. Hmmm  should be a good surf back to Researche bay on the boats

100,000 items and beyond

Date: 26/4/2012
Location: Spain Bay to Stephens Beach and Back
Rubbish of the Day: Chocolate Easter egg
Species of the Day: Sperm and Blue Whale

There is a misty drizzle in the fog lights overnight in Spain Bay. Today the unsuspecting crew trekked to Stephens Beach. Dirty! Big and long! All along the dunes and behind clumps of low vegetation there was global flotsam and jetsam repatriated in the welcome sun. The bright blues, reds and greens in stark contrast to the more ancient white middens. Way out here on the SW ocean beaches is the other end of our consumption. It seemed only right to remove everything that did not belong in this special place.

The 3km rubbish drag tested the mettle of many. Luckily we had mettle to spare. Eleven thousand seven hundred and twenty one PIECES were collected, hauled and counted by a hard working crew. Another legendary dinner followed by the most amazing full funk freak out, "Live on the Deck" Jammin! Not content with owning the Club V music scene Harbs toughened up and admirably assisted, with a special mention, in the front deck cray fishing on the Chiefy.