Thirty people picked up 4,000 pounds of trash off the sea bottom at the Frenchtown Marina Sunday, and the water level didn't even drop. But that didn't deter Portia and Marty Martinez of Admiralty Dive Center, who do this annually. It comes with the territory.
The sixth annual PADI "Project Aware" cleanup was sponsored by the center and the Hard Rock Café. Like previous cleanups, it started right on time, but it didn't get the participation they'd anticipated.
The weather was menacing, which no doubt influenced the turnout. The 30 or so hardy souls, poised on the dock in their wetsuits, looked like so many penguins as they prepared for their flippered hop into the bay. They made up in sheer determination what they lacked in number.
Last year the cleanup focused on Hassel Island, and with about twice as many people, they picked up about the same amount of garbage.
This year's pickings were unusual, to say the least, including a bidet. Less interesting were fire extinguishers, batteries, toy trucks, some antique bottles, two toilets, and load upon load of glass and plastic.
Originally the cleanup was slated to go as far as Villa Olga, but the weather dictated otherwise. Though Martinez was obviously pleased with the community effort, he looked balefully at the marina, and pointed to the plastic bouncing around on the waves. Shaking his head, he said, "It never ends."
Herbie Lockhart donated his truck to haul away the enormous plastic bags, and Monday Public Works will take the rest.
Forty-five businesses, ranging from Agave Terrace and Alexander's restaurants to Just Cuts and Paradise Tramway, contributed to the effort, offering prizes and food and drink for the divers.
