Divers plan to clean up harbor floor

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — May 5, 2009

A team of divers will collect tons of lost and discarded junk from the floor of the Santa Barbara Harbor during “Operation Clean Sweep” this Saturday.

Now entering its fourth year, the annual cleanup will ensure boating safety and navigation through the harbor, waterfront officials said. Divers will work from 8 a.m. to noon from the commercial fishing docks.

A group of dockworkers will support the divers, cataloging retrieved items and carting them off. Safety boats and other vessels will help lift heavy objects.

The public is invited to observe the cleanup operation, which is supported by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Surfrider Foundation, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, harbor dive businesses and local urchin fishermen.

During each of the last three cleanups, divers collected approximately two tons of junk, from traps and bicycles to steering wheels and barbecues, waterfront officials said. More information about the seafloor sweep is available by calling 564-5531.