Environment DEC
From the October 2003 issue
Annual Beach Cleanup Effort
Volunteers across the state demonstrated their commitment to our environment by helping to clean up our shorelines and beaches as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the largest volunteer effort in the marine environment, during the weekend of September 20 to 21, 2003. This year's cleanup took place at various New York beaches on Long Island Sound, the Hudson River and the Great Lakes.
The International Coastal Cleanup is a volunteer, grassroots effort to remove and document debris from the shores of oceans, streams, lakes, rivers, ponds and canals throughout the world. In New York State, the event has been coordinated since the 1980s by the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society. DEC is a long-standing supporter of the beach cleanup.
The participants received a
tee-shirt and a certificate for
their efforts
By recording the amount and type of debris collected, volunteers help present a clearer picture of pollutants affecting our waterways--an important first step in devising solutions to prevent pollution and protect water quality. Information collected from previous years' cleanups have revealed that nearly 60 percent of all the waterfront debris in New York State is plastic and most is from land-based sources. The most common items found during cleanups are cigarette butts, a finding consistent with national data.
The data collected from this year's beach cleanups will be sent to the Ocean Conservancy and included in a national report that is available to legislators, media and the general public. The information also helps fine tune educational materials aimed at curbing pollution.
To obtain additional information or to participate in next year's annual beach cleanup, visit the American Littoral Society web site using the link below.
