Beach

49 divers cleaned up 284.3 lbs of trash from the pier

This past Sunday, nearly 50 divers from all over the area embarked on a sunrise cleanup at The Pier on Okaloosa Island. Many of the divers on Sunday were involved with the cleanup that happened back in August as well. “There’s a lot of people that come to fish here at The Pier,” said Alex Fogg, Coastal […]

Get The Coast

This past Sunday, nearly 50 divers from all over the area embarked on a sunrise cleanup at The Pier on Okaloosa Island.

Many of the divers on Sunday were involved with the cleanup that happened back in August as well.

“There’s a lot of people that come to fish here at The Pier,” said Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager for Okaloosa County. “Unfortunately they lose lead, they lose hooks, they lose monofilament. Every once in a while, we need to get out there to make sure that we keep it clean up.”

When fishermen lose monofilament and hooks, a lot of times it’s on accident. In many cases, the debris can become an entanglement hazard for the creatures that hangout underneath the pier. It can also become a magnet for a lot of other monofilament and hooks to become tangled in, according to Fogg.

“We need to make sure we get out there every six months or so with a bunch of help from the community and other partners to make it happen,” he continued. “With the Leave No Trace initiative, you want to try and take everything out that you brought in, but unfortunately at the pier, in some cases you have to leave some monofilament and led hooks behind.”

Fogg says that their job is to get out there and remove those items so that there is no trace of humans being there.

The divers went out with blue and yellow bags to collect the trash. These bags were donated by ‘Keep Florida Beautiful’ and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, who were huge partners for this cleanup.

Trash cleanups at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier have been happening for the last 6 years or so. This has mainly been spearheaded by the Gulfarium, Anglers and The Pier, who do about 4 dives each year.

Now that the event is becoming more of a public event, Fogg says that they are getting partners from all over the area, along with community partners from as far away as Mobile, AL.

In total, 284.3 lbs of trash was removed. A few notable items included:

A few tires
Construction fence
Car keys
Wedding ring
4 fishing poles

After the event, all the participants enjoyed free beer from Destin Brewery!

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Coastal Resources

SS United States artificial reef project remains on track despite temporary delay

Coastal Resources

Departure of SS United States from Philly to Alabama delayed

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa County approves purchase of SS United States for artificial reef

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa County to vote on $10.1 million SS United States artificial reef project

Mike Ciolino commented on SS United States artificial reef project remains on track despite temporary delay

“Thanks Jared for a concise factual article. Too much false narratives floating around social media.”

Respond

Chris commented on ‘GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’: Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

“Thee is no such a thing as affordable housing for over half the people that live in this area. People can’t afford 300, 400 or 500k for a house. Build...”

“That portion has been closed because of wild hogs destroying it, I believe”

Kevin Jones commented on ‘GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’: Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

“Got make up for the 10 mill purchase of the SS United States and getting fined 1k a day while it still sits in port”

Terence R Porch commented on ‘GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’: Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

“Follow the $. It's highly probable the developers have a military connection. And "affordable housing" is a sad case of smoke and mirrors.”

Richard Burkart commented on Okaloosa School District breaks ground on new Pineview School in Crestview

“Why not give the actual location of the new school, but from the little you gave on that point, I'm "assuming" that it will, like just about nearly every school...”

Hrntphxr commented on Twin Cities Hospital marks 45 years of growth with $46 million in recent improvements

“Is HCA Twin Cities able to provide cardiac care?”

John commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“It is amazing on one hand Walton county will purchase 2,000 acres for a state park and claim it is all about the enviroment amd protecting the Florida Black Bear...”

Max commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“Here goes all our natural Woods & Wild Life . Next thing you know they'll be building Businesses. And Gas Stations . And Big Houses .”

Ernest L Anderson commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“It would be nice to know where it will be located. What about designs and will it have primitive camping or a combination of RV sites. What, no artist rendition?...”