On Sunday 3 March, OzFish volunteers supported the efforts of Clean Up Australia Day by removing over 3 tonnes of rubbish from 16 waterways across the country, with 208 volunteers getting stuck in and demonstrating their commitment to healthy waterways.
The fishers picked up hundreds of pieces of litter. Happily, there was a minimal amount of discarded fishing tackle reported. The most common items collected were food consumables, such as plastic packaging, aluminium cans, and glass bottles.
Cassie Price, OzFish Director of Habitat Programs, says Clean Up Australia Day is an opportunity to address litter head-on.
“We can continue to make progress in reducing litter in our waterways by making it part of our collective fishing culture actively reducing, storing and picking up litter any time we fish,” said Cassie.
As OzFish continues its mission to improve Australia’s fish habitats, the success of Clean Up Australia Day this year serves as a testament to the collective power of community action.
To find out more about OzFish’s Tackling Litter Program or to join OzFish and get involved with your local Chapter go to ozfish.org.au or email info@ozfish.org.au.