The cleanup was led by well-known marine conservationist Psi ‘Sirinat’ Scott, who heads the marine conservation group ‘Sea You Strong’.
Psi Scott made news earlier this year by completing a 70-kilometre swim from Krabi to Phuket to raise awareness of marine conservation. (See stories here and here.)
The cleanup at Rang Kai Bay, held on Saturday (Nov 25), was overseen by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), with DMCR officers and volunteer divers, including volunteers from the Monsoon Garbage group, joining together to clean up the area.
Wissanu Chaengjai, Director of the DMCR Region 10 branch, was present to officiate proceedings.
In total, 120 people joined the cleanup, altogether collecting trash and marine debris weighing 4,450 kilogrammes.
Much of the debris collected were discarded commercial fishing ropes.
The cleanup was praised as a positive move to help preserve the marine environment and restore natural resources and the environment.
“It also stimulates tourism and raises awareness of using marine and coastal resources for maximum value and sustainability. The project implementation went smoothly and all objectives were achieved,” the DMCR said in its report of the cleanup.