A freediving group who regularly clean up South Coast beaches have noticed an increase in face masks that have been littered along shores and roads.
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Woebegone Freedive facilitate monthly clean ups along local roads and Steamers Beach in Booderee National Park.
The group picked up six blue disposable face masks at Steamers Beach on their recent clean up on Tuesday, July 6.
They have also noticed an increase in masks littered along gutters in Nowra, Berry and Huskisson and reminded that face masks can still end up in our waters when tossed on roads.
"It's really concerning," said Lara Hindmarsh, co-owner of Woebegone Freediving.
"What you're doing the street can also really affect the health of our ocean, especially here in Jervis Bay. The health of our bay is so important for all businesses.
"People need to remember when we get heavy rains, rubbish washes into our waterways and makes its way into our oceans and our beautiful bay.
"This is why we also focus on our local roadsides for our cleanups.
"It's definitely a first for me seeing the blue and white disposable face masks on the streets in so many numbers."
The group filled up three quarters of a skip bin and also found other items like a TV, refridgerator and chairs for rangers to collect.
Those in regional areas are required to wear a face mask in all indoor areas of non-residential premises.
This mask mandate was recently applied in Greater Sydney and has been extended to all of NSW until July 16.
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