Clean-up team at Coogee’s Ammo Jetty dive in to make a difference

THE team behind a clean-up dive at Coogee’s Ammo Jetty on February 5 says it simply wants to make a difference.

Co-organiser Connor Smith described the popular recreation spot, with its variety of marine life and shallow depth, as a “real gem”.

“It’s one of the best dive spots in Perth,” the Rockingham resident said.

Mr Smith, who is organising the clean-up with Leederville’s Claire Hinchliffe and Westminster’s Lizy Maguire, is not alone in his praise for the site, but its popularity has brought with it some unwanted extras.

Volunteer divers are expecting to lift discarded fishing gear, chairs and bottles from the seabed.

A barbecue was spotted by one diver recently, while blankets and bags are also likely to be popular.

“We’re hoping to make a decent difference,” Mr Smith said.

“Right now it seems the spot is a bit ‘out of sight, out of mind’.”

Supporting the clean-up will be Sea Shepherd’s local Marine Debris Team.

Spokeswoman Marina Hansen said volunteers would record items removed from the water and co-ordinate the above-ground clean-up.

“We have found that this location is a hotspot for marine debris, with jetty users often just leaving rubbish behind instead of using the bins provided,” she said.

“It ends up in water around the jetty and is a massive hazard for marine life, including visiting sea birds that often get tangled up in discarded fishing line.”

Recfishwest spokesman Tim Grose said the clean-up was a massive boost for Ammo Jetty, which had been a popular and accessible fishing location for decades.

“People who value fishing and diving have a strong sense of stewardship and regularly demonstrate they’re willing to roll up their sleeves and do their bit for fish and fish habitats,” he said.

For information about the clean-up, search Ammo Jetty Clean Up Dive on Facebook.