Volunteers are rostered to go out on once a week trips (Mondays or Tuesdays) in the NICA runabout to pick up rubbish, to note and record any damage by thoughtless river users, and report significant weed infestations and sunken and illicitly moored rivercraft.
There has been a slight reduction in discarded drink containers on which deposits are payable, but abandonment of crab pots continues to be a frustration, since they often continue to trap long after the original bait has gone: the trappee becomes the next bait.
The scheme could use more volunteers. The NICA office can put you in touch with a volunteer who will explain what’s involved.
Abandoned crab pots are an increasing problem.
Riverwatchers have to keep an eye out for shorebird “nests”.
Foreshore trees have to put up with a lot of illegal mooring.
Riverwatchers are usually the first to report sunken craft.