Better Beaches Project one year in
Darren Clarke needs little introduction to the local marine farming community of the top of the South. Having grown up in Golden Bay, Darren and his wife Jackie became known through their previous company TNL, Takaka (now Move) which transported shellfish out of the sounds and around the country. Mainly transporting Mussels, and back in the day Scallops, Darren became familiar to many of the local famers and companies.
Growing up on and around the water and then emerging himself into the aquaculture industry has given Darren a lifetime of insight into the issues that our coastlines face both from recreational and commercial pressures. After selling TNL Takaka and witnessing the pressures from staff shortages due to the COVID pandemic, Darren, with his itchy feet and booming personality gave birth to an environmental initiative called “The Better Beaches Project”.
If it sounds familiar it may be because you have been travelling behind one of two Sollys truck (see below) which are proudly sporting some Better Beaches advertisement on their rear.
This clean up initiative was not only formed to help some of the aquaculture companies suffering staff shortages, who also contribute to regular beach cleans. But also give other associated companies a chance to contribute to sustainability and environmental awareness who may not be able to do so themselves physically.
Commencing its one year anniversary since starting the Better Beaches Project is off to an amazing start. Recruiting 12 new companies, sponsorship and cleaning 23 beaches, with hopefully more on the horizon. This money is used to support Darren and his team to get out in the sounds via boat, quad or car and clean specific target areas that are known to be problematic with accumulating debris. To date the Better Beaches Project has cleaned around 200kg of rubbish from our beaches and shorelines.
The beaches are cleaned at least twice a year alongside the regular industry cleans and the level of sponsorship coincides with the number of beaches sponsored by any one company.
Alongside of Darren, Marine Farming Associations would like to give a very big THANK YOU to the previous sponsors and hope that we can continue to have your support in the years to come.
