FWC and partners remove jetty junk

The image shows a collection of fishing lures, weights, and some small rocks spread out on the ground. — Sinkers, lures and monofilament were among the junk removed from Sebastian Inlet on April 26 and 27.

April 28, 2023 - Hundreds of pounds of lead sinkers, ragged cast nets, miles of monofilament, alluring lures, rusty rods and reels. It was enough to make any angler cry.

On April 26 and 27, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers led a cleanup event that netted hundreds of pounds of booty, most of it the result of anglers and boaters who lost lines and lures. Larger items included an anchor and sections of aluminum grates tossed from the north jetty into the inlet during Hurricane Nicole last fall.

More than 50 divers and support crew participated in the event. Partnering agencies included the Melbourne Beach Police and Fire departments, Orange County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Clean Water Coalition and Sebastian Inlet State Park (SISP). Sebastian Inlet District provided cold drinks and snacks on both days, while Long Doggers and M H Williams Construction served up tasty lunches to the cleanup crew. Lowe's donated buckets for the cleanup event.

Divers battled windy conditions and choppy waters on both days but were undeterred, focusing primarily on the rocky shoreline on the inside of the north jetty. From the jetty, bystanders snapped photos and shouted out thanks to the divers.

"We're grateful for our partnerships with Sebastian Inlet State Park and the many law enforcement agencies who participated in such a worthwhile cause," said James Gray, executive director of the Sebastian Inlet District, which is responsible for safe navigation in the inlet channel. "We hope to build on the success of this cleanup event in future years."

Sebastian Inlet District Commissioner Beth Mitchell, who checked out the action on the first day, said she was thrilled by the success of this year's event and the parternships forged among all agencies involved.

People are collecting and sorting debris from a trailer, including fishing nets and other waste, by a waterfront. — Aluminum grates lost during hurricane Nicole last fall were among the items retrieved during the two-day cleanup.

A scuba diver with gear stands on the shore while a woman relaxes in the water, and others enjoy the beach in the background. — A diver prepares to hit the inlet during the cleanup event.

A group of people, mostly in casual attire, gathers near a waterfront for a meeting or briefing. Sunny day with a pier in view. — An FWC officer gives divers a safety briefing prior to venturing into the water.

The image shows various buckets filled with debris, including fishing nets and plastic waste, likely collected for cleanup. — Divers recovered hundreds of pounds of lead sinkers, monofilament, rope and lures.

The image shows divers in clear blue water, with a boat nearby, likely engaging in underwater activities. — Divers used the "buddy system" to ensure everyone was accounted for while searching for submerged junk.

Diving team in wetsuits working in shallow water, surrounded by rocks, with equipment for underwater exploration. — Lowe's donated buckets for the cleanup event.

A person sits on rocks, handling a net while two divers work in the water nearby, under a pier. — Divers hand over junk retrieved from the rocks on the north side of the inlet.

A group of people in matching outfits gathered outdoors near water, with a bridge and vehicles in the background. — Divers from all participating agencies pose for a group shot.