This Project Is an exciting, community centred initiative, focused on eradicating plastic and other waterborne pollution from Brixham harbour. The project is funded by the restaurant group Rockfish, via The Devon Environment Foundation (DEF) and is being coordinated and delivered by the community Interest company, Till the Coast is Clear (TTCIC).
Brixham Sea Wall Plastic Pollution
Litter that finds its way into Brixham harbour's waters, accidentally or otherwise! Is generally blown towards the breakwater by the prevailing winds, the litter then becomes trapped amongst the voids between the rocks that make up the inner seawall.
Based on the evidence from previous clean up events it is estimated that the inner breakwater wall traps between 5-6 cubic meters of plastic pollution per annum.
Over the years, regular efforts have been made to clear the seawall of slowly degrading plastic pollution with considerable success. However, there are always significant quantities left behind and a never ending cycle of re-supply.
Brixham is a fantastic place to live, a celebrated tourist destination and a working port of national importance. It is blessed with a strong and passionate community and is also home to a wide range of marine and seabird life.
It is felt that the time has come to put an end to the this issue for the benefit of all, It is hoped that by involving the whole community that lasting positive change will be achieved and that litter and pollution free seas become the new normal.
This project is made up of several key components to encourage the local community to get involved, including;
LITTER BOOM
To prevent floating plastic pollution from reaching the inner seawall and becoming entrapped amongst the rocks, a Litter Boom will be installed. The hybrid design will be influenced by what previously recovered material recovered from the coast by Till the Coast is Clear is available combined with innovative Reef Cubes from Arc Marine and next generation mooring lines from Bolina Booms.
Tom Birbeck CEO Arc Marine on Brixham Sea Wall
WHALE SCULPTURE
A large, custom made whale sculpture will be positioned within the harbour on a pontoon and will serve as an exciting focal point to the project by demonstrating the awe inspiring size and power of a cetacean and will also double as a receptacle into which the recovered plastic pollution is placed to graphically demonstrate the scale of the problem.
SEABIN
A Seabin is an innovative, automated clean up device that operates 24-7 to collect surface plastic pollution. Pending a detailed study of the specific nature of the challenge in Brixham harbour, it is hoped that a Seabin can be strategically located to complement the other elements of the project. Seabinproject
DEDICATED CLEAN UP BOAT & ACTIVITIES
A custom support vessel will be permanent based in the harbour and regularly active in supporting the projects aims. It will serve as a visual statement of intent and will give stakeholders and volunteers the opportunity to combine getting out on the water, with doing something positive for the environment & nature. Till the Coast is Clear will also host regular volunteer events supported by their fleet of recycled ‘Water Womble’ clean up kayaks.
INFORMATION BOARD
There will be a shoreside information board that outlines the project and its objectives with links and QR codes to help interested parties keep up to date and support the project should they wish.
The project is underway and it is hoped that most of the infrastructure will be in place by the end of July 2021 all being well.
If you would like to to find out more or would like to get involved please contact gary@tillthecoastisclear.co.uk - 07817910115