Pembrokeshire based award winning charity Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC) has launched a new video highlighting some of their finds as they continue to help clean the underwater world.
The UK’s first underwater clean-up group was founded in 2005 by local diver Dave Kennard. Since then Neptune’s Army of volunteers have carried out over 300 dives to help protect the coastline of Pembrokeshire. As well as the more common finds such as plastic, shopping trolleys, cans, tyres, angling and fishing gear, the charity have stumbled upon some more surprising discoveries including satellite dishes, a Mitsubishi van and even the kitchen sink!
Minister for the Environment, Hannah Blythyn, said: “We’re more aware than ever of the devastating effect rubbish dumped in the sea can have on our marine environment. It’s great to see the volunteers from Neptune’s Army spreading the word and helping protect our beautiful coastline.”
Neptune’s Army have also been working collaboratively to find proactive solutions, which include working with local fishermen and angling coaches. David Jones, secretary of Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, said: “Since 2005 we have not just focussed on removing marine litter but also on raising awareness and working with partners to help find solutions. One example are our tackle tips, produced in collaboration with the Welsh Federation of Angling Coaches, simple, but they help minimise lost angling gear at sites in Pembrokeshire.”
Dave Kennard, chairman of NARC added: “We are continuing to make links with local fishermen who are able to tell us where and when any lost gear was last sighted giving us a chance to dive, locate and bring pots back to the surface.”
NARC has worked with a number of national TV and Radio programmes over the years and uses opportunities to highlight the current plight of our seas with groups and schools.
Announcing support for the underwater charity, Dr David Tudor, Marine Portfolio Manager from The Crown Estate said: “As managers of the seabed, around Wales, England and Northern Ireland, we are partnering with NARC throughout 2018 to support a series of dives, helping to clean up the marine environment for wildlife and other users.”
