Malta’s Seabed Cleanup: 425kg of Waste Retrieved from St. Peter’s Pool

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

Imagine diving into the crystal-clear waters off Malta’s coast, only to find yourself swimming among a hidden treasure trove of discarded debris. This was the reality for volunteers who participated in last weekend’s seabed cleanup, organized by the NGO Clean Up Malta. In just two days, they hauled out a staggering 425 kilograms of waste from the depths around St. Peter’s Pool in Marsaxlokk.

St. Peter’s Pool: A Local Hotspot in Need of TLC

St. Peter’s Pool, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, has become a victim of its own success. The once-pristine waters have been marred by litter, with discarded fishing gear, plastic bottles, and other debris posing a threat to marine life and the environment. The recent cleanup was a much-needed boost to restore the beauty of this beloved local hotspot.

Diving In: The Volunteers’ Experience

Volunteers, ranging from seasoned divers to first-timers, descended into the waters armed with gloves, bags, and a sense of purpose. They discovered a grim scene: discarded fishing nets entangled in rocks, plastic bottles lodged in crevices, and even a discarded traffic cone. Among the volunteers was Malta-based diver and marine biologist, Dr. Mark G. Borg, who commented, “It’s heartbreaking to see the damage we’ve done to our own backyard. But it’s not too late to turn things around.”

The cleanup was not without its challenges. Divers had to navigate strong currents and low visibility, with some even reporting encounters with curious octopuses. Despite these obstacles, the volunteers pressed on, their determination fueled by the thought of restoring St. Peter’s Pool to its former glory.

Clean Up Malta: Leading the Charge Against Marine Debris

Clean Up Malta, the driving force behind the initiative, is no stranger to battling marine litter. The NGO has been organizing regular beach and seabed cleanups across Malta and Gozo, raising awareness about the impact of litter on marine ecosystems. Their efforts have seen them collect thousands of kilograms of waste, with each cleanup serving as a stark reminder of the scale of the problem.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Clean Up Malta’s campaigns have sparked a wave of public engagement, with more and more locals and tourists getting involved. The recent cleanup at St. Peter’s Pool saw an overwhelming response, with volunteers traveling from all over the island to lend a hand.

: A Call to Action

While the cleanup at St. Peter’s Pool was a resounding success, the battle against marine debris is far from over. Clean Up Malta is urging the public to continue their efforts, whether that’s by participating in future cleanups, reducing their plastic usage, or simply being more mindful of their litter. As Dr. Mark G. Borg puts it, “Every little bit helps. We can’t afford to wait for someone else to save our seas. It’s up to us.”