The waters off Macao have turned into a sea of floating rubbish, forcing the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) to hire an independent company to clean it up.
The bureau said the debris, which has doubled recently, mainly consists of plant material and household rubbish. The situation is serious in some areas, including the Inner Harbour, Ká-Hó Port, as well as Cheoc Van and Hac Sa beaches.
The DSAMA estimated that the situation was caused by the recent heavy rain and flooding, which washed the debris along the coast into the river and expelled it into the city’s coastal waters.
The bureau has ordered the cleaning company to send its workers to clear up the marine litter, along the coast and on beaches, adding that DSAMA boats and staff have been sent to assist.
Since the beginning of July, about 35 tonnes of debris has been removed from the sea, while around 10 to 15 tonnes of rubbish were removed from beaches on peak days.
The bureau said that it will continue to monitor the collection of debris from coastal waters, adding that more DSAMA staff will be sent to patrol coastal areas and the city’s two beaches, The Macau Post Daily reported.
