Volunteers set sail for 13th year of Flotsam and Jetsam Abrolhos Islands clean up, Plantasia-themed exhibition

Passionate locals eager to make a difference will head to Fisherman’s Wharf to pick up debris collected from the Abrolhos Islands and transform trash into treasure for another year of Flotsam and Jetsam. Flotsam and Jetsam is set to go off with a bang again this year as the community pencils in the date for the collection day at Fisherman’s Wharf on Monday, March 4. Volunteers are set to travel to the Islands on Friday, March 1 to collect debris scattered across the island — an annual tradition now in its 13th year. Founder Pia Boschetti said each year the team found less waste, but volunteer numbers continued to skyrocket. “We’ve definitely got less waste ... there may be half of what I collected on my first flotsam,” she said. This year’s theme, Plantasia, is inspired by the enchanting realm of flora and all that live among it. Participants are encouraged to consider the theme as they sift through the flotsam and jetsam they plan to transform into works of art. Ms Boschetti said choosing a theme was always a challenge, but after some creative brainstorming, there was a light bulb moment. “This years theme Plantasia is just so full of imagination,” she said. “At Flotsam and Jetsam, we believe in the profound impact of art to drive positive change. By participating in any way, whether as artists, exhibition attendees, or online viewers, individuals contribute to our mission of advocating for ocean and beach conservation and to the support of the community as a whole.” Last year, local artist Pam Riggs and the team found a long, thick piece of rope stuck in the coral edge of Pelsaert Island, which took more than two hours to remove. The rope, which would otherwise be considered waste, was used to build a number of artworks, including a big lion sculpture. The exhibition opening night will be held on Saturday, May 18 and the exhibition will run until Friday, June 7.