Ocean conservation non-profit Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) hosted a World Ocean Day beach clean-up and a mangrove educational session jointly hosted by the Salty Mangrove Cafe in New Brighton on Saturday.
Community members came together to show their love for our Cape Byron Marine Park as well as learn about the importance of protecting blue carbon ecosystems – our mangroves.
Around 20 volunteers joined in the clean-up and dozens of raffle tickets were sold with all funds donated to PCFML – prizes included whale watching, a Go Sea Byron kayak tour and Vision Walks. Local chefs Pips Plate and David Moyle put on a sustainable BBQ.
The clean-up included areas on the New Brighton dog beach, Marshalls Creek and the New Brighton neighbourhood.
PCFML want to stress the importance of the mangrove ecosystems in the Brunswick River – PCFML spokesperson Lucy Jepson says they are the unsung heroes of combatting climate change. ‘A lot of people might not know that mangroves can store more carbon than rainforest trees. Another interesting fact is that in just one hour volunteers removed 25 dog poo bags from the New Brighton bog beach – a reminder to clean up after your pooch!’
PCFML are always looking for more volunteers and interns email Lucy at: [email protected] for more info.
