During two dives on Saturday the 30th of January, volunteers collected LOADS of rubbish on Jew Shoal, a popular reef frequented by both fisherman and divers.

The event was organised by NICA (Noosa Integrated Catchment Authority) with the hiring of the boat supported by the Sunshine Coast Council.

Seven volunteer divers (pictured below) collected an estimated several hundred metres of fishing lines, hooks, lures, sinkers, a beer bottle and an anchor.

The exercise helped to raise awareness about litter, the main goal of the Council funded Litter Education program.  And litter certainly came in all forms, including fishing debris.

To Keep Our Biosphere Beautiful and healthy, all users need to do their part!

As a prelude to Clean Up Australia Day which the Council also funds NICA to organise, volunteers also collected rubbish from the river and in the park at Tewantin.

In an hour's cleanup, two volunteers on standup paddle boards collected 7.8 kg of rubbish off Noosa Sound, including numerous plastic bottles, cans, thongs, food wraps and even a teddy! 

Another volunteer picked up 160 cigarette butts in the playground (opposite Royal Mail Hotel) in half an hour.

Unfortunately, littering appears to be a perpetual problem, even in beautiful Noosa Biosphere.

All concerned residents are invited to take part in the annual Clean Up Australia Day 7 March 2010.

Simply sign up at one of many sites on the day (locations will be announced soon). To report litter hotspots or register a new clean up site, email admin@noosariver.com.au or telephone 07 5449 9650. 

Schools clean up day will be on friday 5 March.