Last month’s Cyclone Pam really did a number on the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu.
Marine conservation group Project AWARE has teamed up with Vanuatu’s Big Blue Diving and other area organizations to tackle the removal of literally tons of debris scattered underwater close to shore.
Over the course of nine days, divers have taken out more than four tons of fiberglass, metal and other things like batteries and electrical equipment, “that if left will leak toxic materials into the environment,” according to Project AWARE.
Divers have logged 98 dives and 105 hours underwater over a 5000-square-meter seabed area.
“A total of 4,636kgs of debris have been removed so far — not including the debris which is piled up and bagged ready to be taken out of the water. The majority of the debris was from boats that were wrecked on the seawall during Cyclone Pam,” according to Dr. Christina Shaw of Sea Shaw – Veterinary and Conservation Services.
Project AWARE is asking for donations to help fund things like equipment, air fills, boats and truck rentals to continue the cleanup. So far, most of the money raised has gone to removing debris from the Port Vila harbour area, one of the hardest-hit places.
If you wish to donate, click here.
To watch a video of Big Blue Diving‘s progress so far, click here.
