Flotsam and Jetsam collection at Geraldton’s Fisherman’s Wharf on March 6 for art exhibition competition

It’s time for another clean up as passionate locals set sail to the Abrolhos Islands in search of debris to be transformed into art.

On Monday, March 6 the Fisherman’s Wharf will be crowded with creatives young and old as they pick out a range of flotsam and jetsam that will be repurposed in Latitude Jeweller’s 12th art exhibition.

The 2023 Flotsam and Jetsam theme is a tribute to the animal kingdom and Latitude Jewellers owner Pia Boschetti said there were always a lot of animal entries, but hoped this year would bring a range of “big animals” such as an elephant or giraffe.

“It’s really about appreciating animals, what they give to us as humans and how we treat them,” she said.

“We use animals for many different things; some farm them, some are companions for some and some people don’t use animals at all.

“I was hoping to incorporate a meaningful theme that it’s not just about the animals but about how we use them and how we need to look after the environment as well so we don’t abuse them.”

Marine ecologist Dr Chris Surman will guide the volunteers across the island under supervision, dedicating areas in the mangroves where birds nest to ensure nests aren’t damaged.

Ms Boschetti said she found there was less and less material to bring back from the island each year and it would be interesting to see what flotsam and jetsam could be cleared.

She said volunteers must spread across the island to find waste compared to when the event first began and the boat would be full before lunch time and only covered a small portion of the island.

“We’ve got to work extra hard to pick up the rubbish because we can’t find enough,” she said.

“I’m a bit worried we aren’t going to pick up enough rubbish. Normally we fill the boat up and we’ve been doing it now for 12 years so you sort of think ‘can I fill the boat up again?’.”

The Flotsam and Jetsam art exhibition opening night will be held over the Shore Leave Festival weekend on Saturday, April 29, with plenty of awards on offer including the People’s Choice Award which will be announced at the end of May.