The Direction Des Ressources Marines (DRM), the French Polynesian government's marine department, will continue its large clean-up operation in many islands in French Polynesia.
Rubbish collected from Pearl farms in French Polynesia as part of a big clean-up Photo: AFP
The operation's goal is to clear rubbish created by current and past pearl farms.
Between November 2021 and March 2022, 1,010 bags of rubbish collected around pearl farms have been taken into Tahiti and treated.
Some 574 of those big bags were brought in last week by the ships Cobia 3 and Mareva Nui.
Support staff dragging rubbish in French Polynesia as part of a big clean-up from Pearl farms. Photo: AFP
The islands targeted are Apataki, Arutua, Ahe, Manihi, Takaroa, Takapoto, Aratika, Kaukura, Fakarava, Raiatea, Tahaa and Gambier.
The rubbish collected include buoys, nets, fishing ropes, and underwater metal fences, commonly used by pearl farms.
Rubbish bags with Pearl farm rubbish being transported to Tahiti. Photo: AFP
The DRM has provided large bags to pearl farmers and districts so that they can start the clean-up around each island.
District officials will also help take the bags back once full to Tahiti.
Authorities have further plans to clean more rubbish around the lagoon. The clean-up mission will carry on for the rest of the year.