The cleanup season under the Clean Coast environmental campaign initiated and hosted by the Russian Fishery Company (RFC) continues to draw in new participants. This time, around 70 students from the Maritime State University named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy, Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University and Dynamo youth team joined the cleanup campaign in Shchitovaya Bay coast. Young enviromental proponents gathered about 50 bags of trash for recycling.
The Clean Coast charity project, a cherished tradition of the Russian Fishery Company, has been taking place in Vladivostok since 2020. Each warm season, a series of cleanups involving the company employees is hosted on RFC's sponsored territory along the Shchitovaya Bay coast. This season, RFC's friends from the Dynamo basketball club, Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University, and Maritime State University named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy have embraced the environmental initiative. The company arranged from transportation for the participants, supplied the equipment, and offered hot meals.
«On behalf of the company, we appreciate your participation in the Clean Coast project. You represent the future of this planet, so let us make it a bit cleaner today with your efforts. For the Russian Fishery Company operating at sea, it is crucial to preserve aquatic bioresources. We urge you to uphold this tradition. We understand from our own experience that once one has cleaned a coastline, one is less inclined to litter it. Spread this awareness and be a positive role model for others».
RFC is committed to actively supporting the youth of the region. The company serves as the principal partner of Dynamo basketball club and extends support to students from relevant universities. Specifically, RFC offers internships on its vessels and in the company and offers scholarships for the students of the Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University, and Maritime State University named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy.
«Russian Fishery Company and our university have a longstanding partnership that allows our students to apply their knowledge during internships on the company's vessels and shore-based plant, participate in RFC's scholarship program, and now contribute to preserving the cleanliness of our sea, which is closely tied to the lives of most people here. The weather is lovely today. I believe we will not only accomplish something beneficial but also have a great time».
«Cadets of Maritime State University named after admiral G.I. Nevelskoy are participating in the Clean Coast project for the first time, but I am confident it will not be the last. We share a longstanding friendship with the Russian Fishery Company, which I hope will persist. Today's initiative indicates that we are collectively moving in the right direction. I hope we can meet our objectives and live up to the name of the Clean Coast campaign».
After a warm-up to music, the young sailors, fishermen, and athletes set off on a trash hunt. The search did not take long. Shchitovaya Bay is a popular spot for leisure that often leaves behind undesirable after-effects.
«The most prevalent types of litter today are glass and plastic. We are finding car tires. There are some unusual finds too: fishing nets and buoys washed up on the shore. I have a deep love for nature, so I find this project very appealing. Our entire group of shipmasters is present at today's community cleanup».
Not only personal interest but also professional duty have led some students to the event. Aleksandra Kabak, Elizaveta Borisova, and Daria Kobzeva, for instance, are ecology students at the Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University. The girls explain that they could not afford to miss the eco-marathon.
«We are second-year students majoring in ecology and environmental management. This profession is relevant in today's world. I chose it out of my own desire. One could say, I have been dreaming about it for a long time. I believe I will pursue a career in my field of study after graduation»
The girls came back from the coast with a significant "haul" of 14 bags of trash. The boys also put in a commendable effort: they managed to haul away around 50 bags of trash and tires from the shoreline. The event ended with a picnic organized by RFC staff. Traditionally, the menu included the nutritious white wild fish pollock.
«I have participated in comunity cleanups before, and now I want to continue being part of the Clean Coast initiative. I am pleased with the time well spent and the outcome of the cleanup. I hope that our enthusiasm will inspire beachgoers to not only take their trash with them but also be mindful of others' litter»
The Clean Coast project also includes a series of initiatives focused on environmental conservation and environmental awareness-building. The cleanup of the coastal area of the beach will continue until the beach season concludes. As part of the Clean Coast initiative, RFC intends to oversee the entire waste management process: from sorting out and transportation to recycling.
