Withnell Bay cleaned up by local volunteers

Whitnell Bay on the Burrup Peninsula has been cleared of rubbish thanks to a community-led clean-up organised by local tourism operators.

About 30 people attended a beach clean-up at Whitnell Bay on Saturday afternoon to clear the area of plastics, fishing gear and other rubbish in the area.

Pilbara Dive and Tours owner Natalie Callanan said the underwater environment was relatively clean, but there was plenty of rubbish on the shore.

“We dive that spot quite a lot so we are picking up stuff all the time,” she said.

“We ended up with 15 bags and ... a lot of it was land-based stuff such as bottle tops, cigarette butts and clothing.

“There is always fishing tackle getting caught around the rocks and mangroves so it is good to get that cleared.”

Volunteers went out in dive groups, paddle boards and combed the beach by foot to clear the area of marine debris.

Pilbara Tour Co and Frosty’s Aussie Adventures joined the clean-up effort this year, which also coincided with PADI women’s dive day.

Ms Callanan said it was good to get the community outside and caring for the environment.

“It’s important we are aware of the local environment and we do want to keep it clean,” she said.

“If you go to the beach and see some rubbish, it takes not even a minute to pick it up, take it home and dispose of it correctly

“A couple of families came out with the kids and had a fantastic time, they wanted to keep going out and finding more rubbish.”

A similar clean up was hosted last year at Cleaverville.

Money raised from the City of Karratha’s bucks for bags program will be donated to Pilbara Wildlife Carers.