Project Aware Day at the Port of Dover

On Saturday 10 September, the Port of Dover hosted a 'Project Aware Day' where local divers from the scuba section of the Kent Police Recreation Association (KPRA) and 'Dive Matters', a Kent-based local diving company, took part in an effort to collect debris from under the water around the harbour and off Shakespeare Beach.

As part of a world-wide effort of environmental clean up activity, this event is organised annually with divers looking for any rubbish that could cause a potential threat to marine life.

The divers braved the cold water in pairs under close supervision of support staff. Throughout the morning, the group concentrated on the area inside Dover harbour, moving on to Shakespeare Beach later.

Paul Sellwood, who was instrumental in organising the diving party said: "The harbour was commendably clean and we found very little rubbish. Outside the harbour, off Shakespeare Beach, we found lots of discarded fishing tackle which we managed to recover successfully."

Vicki Case, Port of Dover Environmental Officer added: "We are committed to maintaining a clean and safe harbour for the enjoyment of those who use it as well as the marine life that lives within it. We were delighted to host the Project Aware Day and were even more delighted with the results."