News Release

by: Christina M. Verlinde

     Marine Extension Agent

     Santa Rosa County

 

 

                  LOCAL ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP

 

On Saturday, September 21, 2002, thousands of people all over the world will participate in the 16th annual International Coastal Cleanup!  The international coastal cleanup is coordinated by the Ocean Conservancy (formerly the Center for Marine Conservation), an organization dedicated to the conservation of marine resources. 

 

Marine debris is a serious problem throughout the world.  Trash such as plastic bags and wrappers, cups, straws, bottles, styrofoam, glass, cigarette butts, cans, used diapers, fishing line, balloons, rope, plastic and metal strapping material, hazardous medical waste, and more all have an impact on marine life, birds, and humans.  Plastic bags and wrappers can be ingested by marine mammals and sea turtles and cause death.  Fish, crabs, marine mammals, turtles and birds can become entangled in fishing line, stringers, and pieces of discarded old nets and rope.  Impact upon humans includes disease spread from medical waste, broken glass and other sharp objects which may be hidden in the sand.  Damage to recreational and commercial boat engines can be caused by monofilament and discarded pieces of nets.  Additionally, trash is aesthetically unappealing!    

 

The goals of the coastal cleanup are to:  1) remove debris from shorelines of lakes, rivers, estuaries, and oceans; 2) collect information on amounts and types of debris; 3) educate people about marine debris issues; and, 4) utilize data collected from cleanups, thereby producing positive change in individuals, business and government which will then reduce marine debris and enhance marine conservation. 

 

There are many opportunities to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup in Santa Rosa County.  The Ocean Conservancy will provide bags and data sheets.  You may contact one of the following coordinators to receive cleanup supplies:

 

·                      The Santa Rosa Clean Community System will coordinate cleanup at Navarre Beach.  Volunteers can meet at the public parking lot on the Gulf side of Navarre Beach.  For more information contact John Tonkin at 623-1930. 

 

·                      The Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves Office will coordinate cleanups along the Yellow River and Blackwater Bay.  For more information call Debbie Holland, at

983-5359.

 

·                      Chris Verlinde, Santa Rosa County Marine Extension Agent, encourages groups to cleanup their neighborhood parks and shorelines along Santa Rosa Sound, East Bay, Pensacola Bay, Escambia Bay, bayous, rivers and creeks.  For more information contact Chris,  623-3868 or at 939-1259, extension 1360 (south end of Santa Rosa County).

 

·                      For cleanups along Gulf Islands National Seashore call 934-2600. 

 

·                      For information on cleanups in Escambia County, contact Capt. Robert Turpin at 475-5220.      

 

Here are some tips for coastal cleanup participants: work in pairs; let one person pick up trash while the other records the data.  It is very important to record data on the data sheets.  This information is used by the Ocean Conservancy to identify sources of marine debris, track patterns, and educate the public.  Wear gloves, a hat, water shoes and use sunscreen.  Take breaks and drink plenty of water.  Remember, you are helping humans and wildlife in the reduction of potentially harmful marine debris!    

 

Chris Verlinde is Marine and Sea Grant Agent for Santa Rosa County.

 

Extension Service programs are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, age,

handicap or national origin.