Celebrating 500 Eco Barge Trips! Charting a Greener Future

By Ruth Puddefoot

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Last Saturday, volunteers gathered to mark a significant milestone: Eco Barge’s 500th clean-up trip. The landmark journey began at Airlie Beach and headed to Mackerel Bay, where the team worked to remove ocean debris and make a positive impact on the marine environment.
When the volunteers arrived at the bay, they were stunned to see the tides had deposited an overwhelming amount of trash. Debris was sadly scattered across the area.
However, after about an hour of solid collection, and the volunteers working tirelessly, no stone was left unturned, the bay had transformed into an entirely different place.
Since July 2009, Eco Barge has removed 253,426kg litter from the Whitsunday region through their ever-important barge trips, and the organisation reaching 500 trips, is only part of the story of the wonderful work they do.
Alongside its debris removal program, Eco Barge also hosts a clean streets and creeks program, responds and cares for sick and injured marine turtles and recycles the marine debris collected and transforms it into reusable products.
This fantastic organisation also undertakes education and awareness activities within the community concerning the issue of marine debris, the importance of thoughtful waste disposal and what should be done in the event of a sick or injured marine turtle.
On their way back from a successful clean-up, the volunteers were treated to a heartwarming thank-you from a mother whale and her baby. The pair lingered near the boat for up to ten minutes, adding a beautiful touch to the day’s efforts, and the Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge enthused that it was the “Best weekend ever!”
Programs like Eco-Barge can’t run without the support of their volunteers, if you want to make a difference and help support the environment and marine life in the Whitsundays head over to Eco Barge’s website:
https://ecobargecleanseas.org.au/
Congratulations on 500 trips Eco Barge, and well done to all the volunteers who help out each trip!

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The volunteers proud of their collection!
Before the clean-up
After the clean-up
Volunteers celebrating 500 trips with Eco Barge
Back at Airlie Beach after a fantastic clean-up
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