OzFishers ready to take out the trash for fishing future
Recreational anglers across Australia are getting ready to do their bit for Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday March 7, with more than 20 waterways set to be cleaned by local OzFish volunteers.
Australia is home to some of the most beautiful estuaries, inland rivers and lakes in the world, but these precious waterways require us to use them thoughtfully and look after their natural values.
Volunteers will be out on kayaks, boats and walking the river banks and beaches to remove as much litter as possible.
OzFish Founder and CEO Craig Copeland, says that he is incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication OzFish members put in each year.
“OzFish volunteers step up every year which is no surprise as recreational fishers witness firsthand what litter is doing to our waterways – it is not only unpleasant, but also unhealthy,” he said.
“We’ve found some interesting items over the years, like plenty of thongs, couches and even several washing machines dumped in precious saltmarshes but there’s always the typical single use plastic items and it’s no doubt the number one item.”
Getting involved in a clean-up event is a great way for fishers to give back to the waterways they love. It is also a day to think about how we can reduce our impact on the environment all year round.
Research has revealed that more than 1 in 3 (34%) Australian households self-identified as producing more packaging waste during lockdown periods compared to previous years, and more than 1 in 2 (55%) reported they are now more concerned about product packaging waste than they were in 2019.
Clean Up Australia Chair, Pip Kiernan, says now is the time for all Australians to step up to clean up, to help protect and conserve local environments.
“This year has seen disruption to our lives, not least of all to our local environments which have been impacted by increased uptake of single-use, disposable items,” she said.
“We know Australians everywhere are itching to get involved and now is their chance to officially register to attend an event.”
As part of OzFish’s partnership with Tangaroa Blue’s Look After Your Tackle program, fishers will record what their clean-ups find in our waterways. Data from an OzFish clean-up will be entered into Tangaroa Blue’s Australian Marine Debris Database and used by researchers to guide litter prevention projects in the future.
All clean-up volunteers must register online before participating in any activities. Registration includes an official event trash bags, hand sanitiser and gloves to ensure volunteers’ health and safety. These items will be available for collection at a clean-up location prior to the event kick-off.
Registration is now open, and participants of all ages are encouraged to come out and be part of this annual tradition to keep Australian waterways clean and beautiful.