Meelup users leave their rubbish
Meelup Regional Park Management Committee environment officer Mandy Polley says volunteers have noticed a correlation between the autumn fishing season and increased volumes of litter in the park.
Ms Polley told the _Times _ the recent Meelup Coastal Cleanups initiative had seen more than 200kg of rubbish removed from Meelup's beaches from December to Easter this year.
"Much of the rubbish left behind is fishing related, including bait bags and lines, and also fish body parts, as well as food and drink packaging," she said.
"There is also evidence of fires where people are cooking their catch."
Tangaroa Blue's Renee Mouritz agreed and said it was disappointing to see people destroy what they "came to enjoy".
Ms Polley said another bad season for litter was summer, when visitor numbers peaked.
"A lot of this is left behind by people camping, but also just general users of the beaches," she said.
"So you could say that for nearly half the year there is a significant litter problem in the park."
Ms Polley said the message for visitors to the park, or any natural area, is for people to clean up after themselves.
She said people could even pick up other rubbish to "keep the place clean".
"We want to keep it beautiful for everyone to enjoy," she said.
