Argosy Cruises is known for many things: Fantastic views of Seattle, unforgettable moments with friends and family on the water, onboard hospitality like no other. But most people probably don't associate Argosy with refuse collection.
This #MeetUsMonday, we're sharing our interest in trash with you.
Waterfront Clean-Up
Since the 1980s Argosy has partnered with the City of Seattle and our local business improvement areas to help keep the waters of Elliott Bay along the waterfront clear of debris. From two to four mornings a week every spring, summer and fall, a small team of crew armed with poles and nets goes hunting for trash along the Seattle waterfront on a runabout boat. The area covered is from Pier 48 northward to Pier 70.
The captain slowly weaves the boat in between docks and pilings, looking for not only floating trash but large logs or other "deadheads" that could obstruct the passage of not only Argosy vessels but other boats and ships in the bay (like tug boats or the Washington State Ferries). A crewmember in the back of the boat helps the captain with maneuvering and works to pull items out of the water and into a trash bin on board. Large logs or other navigational hazards are towed away.
Items of interest that have been picked up in years past include:
- Styrofoam...so much styrofoam
- Tennis balls
- Tires
- "No Parking" signs
- Frisbees
- A cooler
- Pumpkins
- Hats
- 32 full milk cartons (over a 7-day period)
- Three 30-gallon plastic drums
Not only has the Waterfront Clean-Up program helped keep the waters of Elliott Bay clean, it has also provided plenty of onboard training for our new captains. The Beaver is the first vessel that all captains at Argosy learn to pilot, and maneuvering through busy Elliott Bay with eyes keen on finding trash in the water is an excellent starting point.
Over the course of a season, the Waterfront Clean-Up crews can collect over 3,000 pounds of trash. A plastic bottle here and there really adds up! As a long-time Seattle waterfront resident, Argosy Cruises considers it an honor and a privilege to help keep our nautical neighborhood clean.