Divers clear debris in Illawong Bay
22 July 2011
The frigid weather did not deter a group on Navy Divers from suiting up and clearing fishing debris from Illawong Point in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, as part of a training serial.
The Divers from Mine Hunter Crew, Australian Clearance Diving Team One and Army Diving Wing, donned dry suits and AGA mask and spent three hours in the water.
After a concerted effort the team removed approximately 350 kilograms of debris left by recreational fishermen from the sea-bed of the popular fishing spot.
Lieutenant Scott Reynolds, Diving Officer for Mine Hunter Crew 2 (HMAS Huon) says it is rewarding to be able to help the local marine environment.
“We spend a lot of time in the harbour, particularly in and around Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where we see first hand the cumulative effect of anglers discarding rubbish.”
“During the dive my team removed tyres, bottles, wheel clamps, kilometres of fishing line, rope and tackle. I’m pleased we have been able to make a small contribution to rehabilitating this area.” said Lieutenant Reynolds.
“Clearing the bay also presented a great opportunity to train with members of the Army Dive Wing,” said Lieutenant Reynolds.
Tom Szymanski, NSW National Parks Senior Field Supervisor for the Northern Beaches Area says Navy’s assistance underscores the cooperative relationship between the two organisations.
“The Navy Divers often conduct training in our National Parks and we have a long standing cooperative relationship.”
“Illawong Point has a forest of fishing lines due to the snags on the sea-floor. This creates a big issue for fish and turtles which can become tangled in the fishing line. Navy’s assistance has helped reduce this threat to wildlife,” said Mr Szymanski.
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