LOST SOLES FOUND

This sole (peacock flounder) was not lost.   

Last Saturday the crews of EXIT STRATEGY, LET IT BE, and MASELLE joined a group of volunteers on the island of Bonaire to clean up a portion of the seabed and reef.  The event was organized by DIVE FRIENDS BONAIRE in coordination with PROJECT AWARE (a worldwide organization dedicated to keeping oceans pure).  The Bari Reef dive site was targeted for this effort because Bonaire’s Annual Regatta was held off a nearby beach during the previous week and the accompanying festivities usually produce much trash.

Gabrielle, Thomas , & Dan sign in.

During an initial safety briefing, we were instructed to collect as much debris as possible WITHOUT disturbing the reef.  So, for instance, if we found fishing line or net entangled IN the reef, we were to free it for disposal by cutting it loose.  If an item already had coral growing ON it, we were to leave it alone since it had already become part of the living reef.  After the briefing, each team grabbed a mesh bag, free tanks of air or nitrox, and suited up to enter the water.  

Thomas (top) & Gabrielle (bottom) loosen PVC trash while Dan (right) holds bag.

Initially,  I snorkeled at the surface to follow Dan’s diving team (Gabrielle & Thomas) and helped them retrieve a three meter piece of PVC found just before the drop off.  Then when they moved into the deep, I lost sight of them. So I continued gathering trash on my own by swimming a tight zigzag grid perpendicular to the shore for nearly an hour.  No other snorkelers appeared to be on duty.  I enjoyed the solitude and allowed myself to be distracted by the beauty of the reef and the array of marine species that crossed my path. 

"Hamburger" coral formation

One of many personal distractions

              
Dan and our friends from MASELLE and LET IT BE were watching the staff sort the trash when I finally exited the water.  They said that they had recovered many beer bottles, plastic cups and utensils, and aluminum cans.  I unloaded my bag to reveal quite an assortment of SOLES, as well as some odd pieces of rubber and plastic, and a few bottles. 

My treasure trove of lost soles

             

In appreciation for the volunteers, DIVE FRIENDS BONAIRE hosted a potluck dinner that evening which was graciously sponsored by a number of local grocers, dive shops, and restaurants.  We feasted on grilled chicken, sausages, ribs, veggie burgers, and hamburgers. Everyone brought a side dish to share, making the buffet quite varied and FULL!  We ate to our hearts content, met more people from far away places, and I won a dive t-shirt in the raffle.

(L to R) Gabrielle & Thomas of MASELLE, Sylvain & Suzanne of LET IT BE,
Rose & Dan of EXIT STRATEGY

Over one hundred volunteers participated in the day’s activities. The bin of refuse we collectively removed from the sea during this quarterly clean up was sorted and will be documented online.  For full details, please visit www.divefriendsbonaire.com.