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| Photograph from coastalkeeper.org |
September 20, 2014 the Ocean Conservancy hosted it’s 28th International Coastal Cleanup day. According to the Ocean Conservancy website, more than 12 million pounds of trash was collected by volunteers all over the globe from their local coastlines and waterways.
Ocean Conservancy is a small organization that began in 1972 with the purpose of fighting for a healthy ocean. Since 1986 the International Coastal Cleanup has been one of their hallmark projects, according to the Ocean Conservancy website. The organization works to protect the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, the Arctic, and my home the Gulf of Mexico.
Here is a link to the story.
http://www.oceanconservancy.org/who-we-are/newsroom/2014/more-than-12-million-pounds.html
Marine trash is a significant problem. Only a small percentage of marine trash is from marine sources. According to the California Coastal Commission website, 80% of marine trash is from land-based sources. It poses hazards for ocean life and it impacts coastlines when washed ashore. It threatens wildlife that becomes entangled, and ingestion is deadly. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags as jellyfish, their favorite food. Marine trash is also a disruption in habitats, littering the ocean floor, reefs and oyster beds.
It is paramount that trash is removed from beaches and waterways to reduce threats to wildlife and the ecosystem. International Coastal Cleanup day is an example of normal people making an impact in the environment. We can’t wait for big corporations to fix everything, sometimes we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work in our own back yard. I look forward to participating in next year's International Coastal Cleanup day. Until then I’ll be taking a trash bag along whenever I go to the beach for a little housekeeping.
Did you participate for International Coastal Cleanup day? I look forward to hearing your thoughts about International Coastal Cleanup and would love to know what things you do to help restore our coastlines.
http://www.oceanconservancy.org/who-we-are/newsroom/2014/more-than-12-million-pounds.html
Marine trash is a significant problem. Only a small percentage of marine trash is from marine sources. According to the California Coastal Commission website, 80% of marine trash is from land-based sources. It poses hazards for ocean life and it impacts coastlines when washed ashore. It threatens wildlife that becomes entangled, and ingestion is deadly. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags as jellyfish, their favorite food. Marine trash is also a disruption in habitats, littering the ocean floor, reefs and oyster beds.
It is paramount that trash is removed from beaches and waterways to reduce threats to wildlife and the ecosystem. International Coastal Cleanup day is an example of normal people making an impact in the environment. We can’t wait for big corporations to fix everything, sometimes we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work in our own back yard. I look forward to participating in next year's International Coastal Cleanup day. Until then I’ll be taking a trash bag along whenever I go to the beach for a little housekeeping.
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| Poster from oceanconservery.org |
Did you participate for International Coastal Cleanup day? I look forward to hearing your thoughts about International Coastal Cleanup and would love to know what things you do to help restore our coastlines.
Hamishe ~ Thank you so very much for the info on the International Coastal Cleanup day. It struck a chord with me as I love the ocean; and make it a point to pick up trash any time I'm on a beach, even when I'm swimming, I'll capture plastic and stuff it in my suit, so that it doesn't harm the fishes.
ReplyDeleteI was so moved that I went to the Ocean Conservancy website which led me to other international sites, who have joined the effort.
I found out that the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) is coordinating it's coastal cleanup efforts for the 23rd consecutive year, from 20 Sept to 20 October, and invites its members, cooperating entities and all individuals who appreciate and respect the marine environment to organize their own clean-up of a nearby beach from the litter that may have been left behind.
I was even more excited when I discovered that Panorama Beach in Avlaki/Prasiai, is having an International Coastal Cleanup day on 13 October! Right on our beach, in Athens Greece!!!! More details after our participation and pictures of the cleanup will be sent to you.
That's awesome Mom!!! I didn't know that Panorama Beach has a Cleanup day too!! I can't wait to see pictures. I'm so tickled you enjoyed the post and it sent you looking for more information. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHamishe,
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate with you on this post. My father and mother run an environmental company out of Mobile, Al. I grew up loving all animals, including sea turtles. The importance of preserving the health and beauty of these precious animals is crucial. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the effects of dumping garbage on our coast lines and into our oceans and other bodies of water. I truly appreciate your blog highlighting this major environmental concern. You not only educate, but you express genuine passion even through writing. As for Coastal Cleanup, I've spent many years volunteering my time on the Gulf Coast cleaning up our shorelines. It's a wonderful day to connect with other volunteers and to give back to mother nature in its purest form. Great post!
Sara Teague
Sara, thank you so much for your comment. I agree with you that many people are unaware of the importance of environmental preservation. I'm happy to hear you've spent years volunteering. I can't express my appreciation enough for your efforts to clean our shorelines. It's people like you whom are making a difference.
ReplyDelete