16 September 2011Beachwatch Weekend
Last Saturday, the Port of Dover hosted a ‘Project Aware Day’ when local divers from the scuba section of the Kent Police Recreation Association (KPRA) and ‘Dive Matters,’ a Kent-based local diving company, took part in an effort to collect debris from under the water around the harbour and off Shakespeare Beach.
As part of a world-wide effort of environmental clean up activity, this event is organised annually with divers looking for any rubbish that could cause a potential threat to marine life.
The divers braved the cold water in pairs under close supervision of support staff. Throughout the morning, the group concentrated on the area inside Dover harbour, moving on to Shakespeare Beach later.
Paul Sellwood, who was instrumental in organising the diving party said; “the harbour was commendably clean and we found very little rubbish. Outside the harbour, off Shakespeare Beach, we found lots of discarded fishing tackle which we managed to recover successfully.”
Vicki Case, Port of Dover Environmental Officer added; “we are committed to maintaining a clean and safe harbour for the enjoyment of those who use it as well as the marine life that lives within it. We were delighted to host the Project Aware Day and were even more delighted with the results.”
Top pic shows the divers emerging on Dover Beach after their superb clean-up effort. Picture left shows some of the divers who took part, unfortunately we dont have their names but if anyone does let us know on dover7@msn.com. But a huge well done to them and all the volunteers.
Many thanks to DHB for the info and pictures.
Dover Beach is recommended in the GOOD BEACH GUIDE 2011.
Picture shows volunteers cleaning Kingsdown beach in April this year. Many thanks to
SEAFRANCE for the picture.
