Malta’s Coastal Cleanup: 425kg of Waste Retrieved in Weekend Dive

Malta’s Coastal Treasure: 425kg of Waste Retrieved in Weekend Seabed Cleanup

Imagine diving into the crystal-clear waters off Malta’s coast, only to find yourself surrounded not by marine life, but a grim underwater scene of discarded waste. This was the reality faced by volunteers during a recent weekend cleanup, which saw a staggering 425kg of waste collected from the seabed.

Local Heroes Take the Plunge

Organised by the NGO Wasteless Malta, the cleanup attracted over 100 volunteers who braved the waters at three locations: Marsaxlokk, St. Peter’s Pool, and Ghajn Tuffieha. Among them was Malta’s very own freediving champion, Alexia Zerafa, who used her skills to reach depths others couldn’t, retrieving waste that had been hidden for years.

“It’s heartbreaking to see how much waste ends up in our seas,” Zerafa commented, “But it’s also inspiring to see so many people coming together to make a difference.”

What Was Found and Why It Matters

The retrieved waste included a worrying amount of plastic, with items like fishing nets, bottles, and bags posing significant threats to marine life. The cleanup also unearthed more unusual finds, such as a bicycle and a traffic cone, highlighting the diverse sources of marine pollution.

Malta’s seas are home to a rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the monk seal and the Mediterranean angel shark. The cleanup efforts not only help protect these species but also contribute to the preservation of Malta’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on its coastal attractions.

the retrieved waste can now be recycled or repurposed, further reducing its environmental impact. Wasteless Malta is currently working on turning some of the collected waste into art installations, raising awareness about the issue in a creative way.

This cleanup is just one of many initiatives led by Wasteless Malta, which aims to reduce waste generation and promote sustainable practices across the country. Their efforts are part of a broader movement towards a cleaner, greener Malta, with the government recently announcing plans to ban single-use plastics by 2021.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that community involvement will be key in maintaining the beauty and health of Malta’s coastline. So, will you be joining the next cleanup? Let’s make sure our seas remain a treasure, not a dumpster.