The Direction of Marine Resources (DRM), the French Polynesian government's marine department, will continue its large clean-up operation in many islands surrounding French Polynesia.

The operation's goal is to clear rubbish created by current and past pearl farms.

Between November 2021 and March 2022, 1,010 bags of rubbish collected around pearl farms have been taken into Tahiti and treated.

Some 574 of those big bags were brought in last week by the ships Cobia 3 and Mareva Nui.

The islands targeted are Apataki, Arutua, Ahe, Manihi, Takaroa, Takapoto, Aratika, Kaukura, Fakarava, Raiatea, Tahaa and Gambier.

The rubbish collected include buoys, nets, fishing ropes, and underwater metal fences, commonly used by pearl farms.

The DRM has provided large bags to pearl farmers and districts so that they can start the clean-up around each island.

District officials will also help take the bags back once full to Tahiti.

Authorities have further plans to clean more rubbish around the lagoon. The clean-up mission will carry on for the rest of the year.