Eco Barge Clean Seas extends its collaboration with Hamilton Island to Protect Whitsunday Marine Life

Eco Barge Clean Seas is proud to announce that it has extended its collaboration with Hamilton Island to support vital marine conservation efforts in the Whitsunday Islands. Hamilton Island’s continuing support will greatly assist Eco Barge’s mission to keep the islands clean and protect vulnerable marine life, including the care of rescued sea turtles.

One important part of the collaboration is Hamilton Island’s support through the Containers for Change program, where eligible containers collected across Hamilton Island are donated to
Eco Barge, and which has resulted in collection of an impressive 144,751 bottles with a 10-cent refund from each. This directly funds marine debris removal, turtle rehabilitation, and essential conservation efforts.

Going forward, Container for Change funding contributed towards the purchase of a new
granulator that enables Eco Barge to upscale its recycling, and to upgrading the Whitsunday
Turtle Rescue Centre, ensuring better care for injured sea turtles.

The Eco Barge / Hamilton Island collaboration was first launched at Hamilton Island Race Week
2024. Looking to Race Week 2025 (16-23 August), all competing boats will receive Eco Barge
recycling sacks and guests will be encouraged to use Eco Barge recycling bins on the island.

"This collaboration is a game-changer for our efforts to protect marine life and remove plastics from the Whitsundays," said Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. "With
Hamilton Island’s support, we can expand our programs, improve our recycling capabilities,
and continue making a tangible difference in preserving our stunning coastline and caring for
injured sea turtles."

Hamilton Island will also promote Eco Barge’s work across its various communication
platforms, helping to raise awareness about marine debris and the importance of recycling, and Hamilton Island staff encouraged to actively volunteer as part of Eco Barge clean-up initiatives.

"Protecting Australia’s natural wonder - the Great Barrier Reef, and Hamilton Island’s beautiful natural surrounds, is at the heart of Hamilton Island’s values," said Nick Dowling, CEO of Hamilton Island. "We are proud to support Eco Barge, and it is a privilege to contribute to their incredible efforts to protect the Whitsunday Islands’ precious ecosystems and marine life."

This collaboration highlights the power of teamwork in tackling marine debris and ensuring a
thriving, healthy ocean. With Hamilton Island’s backing, Eco Barge will continue its mission to create a cleaner future for marine wildlife and the Whitsunday community.

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