Cleanup: Over four tonnes of rubbish cleared from Rang Kai Bay, Phuket
This past weekend the serene Rang Kai Bay, located at Koh Racha Noi to the south of Phuket, bore witness to a significant environmental action. More than four tonnes of rubbish and debris were hauled away from this picturesque locale, a hotspot for dive tourism, during an extensive beach and underwater cleanup.
The leading figure behind this endeavour was none other than the renowned marine conservation champion, Psi Sirinat Scott. She is the driving force behind the marine conservation force, Sea You Strong. Sirinat had already made headlines earlier this year when she undertook a 70-kilometre swim from Krabi to Phuket, a feat aimed at raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation.
Saturday, November 25, was the day chosen for the cleanup initiative at Rang Kai Bay. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) played a supervisory role in the effort. The cleanup team comprised DMCR officers, volunteer divers, and contributors from the Monsoon Garbage group, who united with a shared goal to restore the area’s natural beauty.
Wissanu Chaengjai, who heads the DMCR Region 10 branch, was on-site to officiate the proceedings and lend his support to the cause. The cleanup drew an impressive turnout with 120 participants who managed to collect trash and marine debris weighing up to 4,450 kilogrammes in total. Discarded commercial fishing ropes accounted for a significant portion of the collected debris, reported Phuket News.
The cleanup initiative received widespread accolades as a commendable step towards preserving the marine ecosystem and reviving natural resources. The DMCR, in its report on the cleanup, heralded the effort as a stimulus for tourism.
The department also highlighted the event’s role in raising awareness about the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. According to the DMCR, the project was executed smoothly and achieved all its intended objectives.
The cleanup at Rang Kai Bay is a prime example of proactive environmental action, demonstrating the power of collective effort in the fight against marine pollution. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.
