Hvar Island – The largest environmental action takes place in Jelsa

For a second straight year, a commendable underwater cleaning action took place in Jelsa, Vrboska and Zavala village on Hvar Island. This one was the largest of its kind in 2020. We are witnessing an increase in pollution damaging our rich ecosystem. The biggest problem is the plastic and bulky waste which end up in the seabed. A specific structure of Jelsa bay, combined with sea currents, makes it a magnet for all floating waste.

During the week of 19th and 20th of September, a well-known divers took charge of the cleaning action. All in all, several associations and diving clubs participated in the initiative. Veterans of Croatian Navy, diving clubs Nautilus and Black Pearl, Lantina association and Jelsa Tourist Board among them. Additionally, Jelsa fire department and Jelka utility company, as well as Jelsa town administration helped organize the action. In total 60 people gathered in the action, and managed to clean the bay by removing 18 cubic meters and 10 tons of various sea waste. Participants were surprised by the amount of the waste which was taken to the shore by small boats. All kinds of waste was found, with car tires and glass the most common ones. With this action, organizers are trying to point out the importance of conservation of our sea. They emphasize this is only the beginning, as more initiatives will be held in the future. After the previous actions, an improvement in sea quality was visible in other Hvar bays. 

By holding more and more initiatives, the organizers are trying to awake the consciousness of the people. In the end, they’ve thanked everyone for their time and involvement, and said they’ll see each other again next year.

Source: Morski.hr