What are they? Where have they come from? How did they get here? A strange device was discovered along the Alva Beach shoreline by Gavan Lamb last Wednesday, the 22nd of January and the community was left puzzled as to how an echo sounder satellite buoy made its way to the Burdekin.
“I often walk the beach which is where I found this buoy plastic thing,” explained Gavan.
“I dragged it home and pulled it apart and the batteries were corroded so it’s been floating around for a while, so it’s kind of nice to have that rubbish disposed of and not on the beach.”
Gavan discovered the M3i echo sounder satellite buoy was manufactured by Marine Instruments for commercial use to detect and attract fish for foreign fisheries in the South Pacific.
Gavan’s Alva Beach discovery was not a one off. Instead, he has seen echo sounder satellite buoys on multiple occasions both at Alva and Wunjunga Beach and conservationists are becoming increasingly concerned with the number of buoys washing up on Aussie shores.
The Tangaroa Blue Foundation actively works to prevent and remove marine debris from both oceans and beaches across the nation through the use of the Australian Marine Debris Initiative. Beachgoers and boaters who come across echo sounder satellite buoys are able to donate the devices to the foundation to aid in future data analysis and clean up projects. More information on the foundation can be found online at tangaroablue.org.
Gavan shared a photo of his discovery online
Curious, Gavan opened the buoy to discover plenty of tech inside
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