Feb 21 (V7N) -Fisherman Jose Antonio Crispin remembers when casting a net around Pombeba Island in Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay meant a decent catch of fish. Now, all he pulls in is garbage.

“The net only brings garbage, garbage, garbage. And we can't survive that way," the 60-year-old lamented.

This week, volunteers braved record heat to clear plastic waste suffocating the small island, which has become a dumping ground for the bay’s pollution. Among them was two-time Olympic sailing champion Martine Grael, who joined the effort to remove 80 tonnes of debris.

The cleanup initiative is led by Juliana Poncioni, director of the ocean conservation group Nas Mares. Fishermen like Crispin receive compensation for participating, as pollution has made it impossible for them to earn a living from fishing.

Guanabara Bay, known for its breathtaking views, has long struggled with pollution, including trash, raw sewage, and industrial chemicals. The issue was a major headache during the 2016 Olympics, when sailors complained about the filthy waters despite last-minute cleanup attempts.

Grael, 34, emphasized the need for long-term solutions: "What we really want are actions that make a difference."

As layers of trash were peeled away, patches of sand began to emerge—offering a glimmer of hope. But Poncioni warned that the problem is not just local.

“This isn’t just about Guanabara Bay or Rio de Janeiro—it’s a global crisis,” she said. “We must stop the plastic tsunami. Humanity produces 400 million tons of plastic per year, and 11 million end up in the ocean.”

Scientists from the Biotema environmental group were also on-site, studying microplastics—tiny particles that have infiltrated even the most remote corners of the planet and pose a growing threat to human health.

"Once consumed by aquatic microorganisms, microplastics enter our bodies, causing toxicity," explained lead researcher Andre Salomao, as he collected sand and plastic samples.

The bay’s pollution problems were spotlighted again last month when Rio and neighboring Niteroi launched a bid to host the 2031 Pan American Games. Authorities renewed their pledge to ensure wastewater treatment for the 10 million people living around the bay by 2030.

Water utility Aguas do Rio, which signed a multimillion-dollar contract in 2021 to clean up the bay, has promised action. Whether the latest commitment succeeds where others have failed remains to be seen.

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