Pounding the Waves: Coastal Cleaning Boats in the Pitiusas
The pristine beauty of the Pitiusas, with their picturesque coasts and crystal-clear waters, draws visitors from across the globe. However, beneath the surface of this paradise lies a growing concern – waste that threatens the fragile marine ecosystem. Enter the unsung heroes, the coastal cleaning boats, who have just completed their formidable mission.
A Season of Dedication
The 2023 coastal cleaning season, spanning from June to September, has drawn to a close. These months of dedicated service saw the removal of a staggering 27.81 tons of waste from the enchanting Balearic coasts. Each day, on average, nearly 196 kilograms of waste were painstakingly extracted from the tranquil waters.
A Collective Effort
The monumental task of keeping the coastlines clean required a collective endeavor. Two types of vessels, ‘beach‘ and ‘coastal,’ worked in harmony for 120 consecutive days. Their combined efforts not only protected the exquisite bathing waters but also preserved the pristine allure of Balearic beaches and coves.
Beach Boats’ Contribution
The ‘beach’ boats made a substantial contribution, accounting for the removal of 20,888 kilograms of waste. Their relentless efforts averaged 138.22 kilograms of waste per day. This tireless workforce focused on the immediate coastal areas, ensuring that the shores remained a haven for beachgoers.
Coastal Boats: Silent Saviors
The ‘coastal’ vessels, often the unsung heroes in this mission, collected a total of 6,924 kilograms of waste, with an average daily collection of 57.61 kilograms. They ventured further into the sea, ensuring that even the distant corners of the coast remained free from waste.
Island Statistics
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic islands, led the charge in waste removal, accounting for an impressive 16,915 kilograms. Pollença, a picturesque town in the north of the island, topped the list, contributing 3,227.45 kilograms to this noble endeavor.
Ibiza, the party island famous for its pristine beaches, saw San Josep remove 1,371.48 kilograms of waste, while Sant Joan contributed by collecting 914.60 kilograms. Formentera, the smallest of the Pitiusas, did its part with the removal of 1,099.05 kilograms of waste.
The Perpetrator: Plastic Pollution
The primary malefactor in this waste removal story is plastic, constituting a staggering 45.70 percent of the materials collected. Wood, at 32.17 percent, follows closely behind. Other materials, such as vegetation (7.20%), various objects (8.20%), organic matter (5.26%), and oils or hydrocarbons (0.78%), also made their presence known. A noteworthy fact is that this season has witnessed the removal of 7.6 tons more waste than the previous year.
Beyond the Call of Duty
These coastal cleaning brigades went beyond routine cleanup efforts. They responded to 23 critical notices, including assisting in cases of fuel spills and collecting specific waste in remote coves. Seventeen notices came via emergency services like 112 and Salvamento Marítimo, while the remaining six were raised by concerned institutions and individuals.
Throughout the season, interventions spanned a wide spectrum, including the removal of trees, sunken boats, floating plastic barrels, stranded animals, and even the cleanup of shipwreck debris. This multifaceted mission showcases the adaptability and commitment of these coastal heroes.
A Battle Worth Fighting
In the Pitiusas, the coastal cleaning boats stand as a testament to humanity’s battle against environmental degradation. Their tenacity and courage in the face of worsening coastal waste are a source of inspiration. These silent saviors continue to forge ahead, ensuring that the Pitiusas retain their allure for generations to come.
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