South Shore Estuary News: Annual International Coastal Cleanup

Volunteers Document Beach Debris

As part of the 17th Annual International Coastal Cleanup in September, volunteers documented and removed debris from over 20 sites along the South Shore Estuary. The cleanups were part of a statewide effort coordinated by the American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation organization, to raise awareness of the condition of our beaches and waterways and to encourage the public to engage in the battle to solve the problem of floatable debris. The beach cleanups also afford the opportunity for young and old alike to learn about the estuary and enjoy “a day at the beach.”

As of press time, about a third of the sites registered in the estuary had sent in their reports. The total to date: 1,039 volunteers accounted for 5,347 pounds of debris which they tallied on data cards and removed. The volunteers included scouts, students, members of environmental organizations, yacht clubs, homeowners, corporate employees, and the general public. Beach cleanups at Heckscher State Park, Jones Beach State Park, and Robert Moses State Park drew the largest numbers of volunteers.

Scouts from Sayville have “adopted” the town beach for one year, while a cub scout pack from Islip, remarking on the large number of cigarette butts found on the beach, voiced the opinion that smokers make a large contribution to litter on their beach. Having to categorize debris, not merely pick it up, drives home the frequency of certain types of litter. At the sites reporting so far, 1,583 cigarette butts were documented. All the data will be analyzed by the Ocean Conservancy, the organization that coordinates the Coastal Cleanup worldwide. They will compile site specific reports that will be useful in developing strategies to combat pollution in the area.

Marine debris is not just unsightly; it poses dangers to humans and wildlife. Plastics, so lightweight and durable account for more than 50% of all marine debris. Plastic pellets, bags, and balloons are often mistaken for food by marine animals, causing internal injury, intestinal blockage, and starvation. Thousands of birds and marine animals die each year from entanglement in monofilament fishing line, strapping bands, balloon string, and 6-pack ring holders. Floating debris is a menace to navigation, fouling propellers, blocking intake valves and causing accidents. Pollution also compromises the the productivity of wetlands, and of nurseries for shell and fin fish.

To learn more about the
American Littoral Society
and the September 2003
New York Beach Cleanup,
visit www.alsnyc.org
or call 718-318-9344

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A Message from the Council Chair A Message From the Director Volunteers Document Beach Debris Exciting Workshop Draws a Crowd	South Shore Estuary News Fall/Winter 2002
	Volunteers Document Beach Debris As part of the 17th Annual International Coastal Cleanup in September, volunteers documented and removed debris from over 20 sites along the South Shore Estuary. The cleanups were part of a statewide effort coordinated by the American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation organization, to raise awareness of the condition of our beaches and waterways and to encourage the public to engage in the battle to solve the problem of floatable debris. The beach cleanups also afford the opportunity for young and old alike to learn about the estuary and enjoy “a day at the beach.” As of press time, about a third of the sites registered in the estuary had sent in their reports. The total to date: 1,039 volunteers accounted for 5,347 pounds of debris which they tallied on data cards and removed. The volunteers included scouts, students, members of environmental organizations, yacht clubs, homeowners, corporate employees, and the general public. Beach cleanups at Heckscher State Park, Jones Beach State Park, and Robert Moses State Park drew the largest numbers of volunteers. Scouts from Sayville have “adopted” the town beach for one year, while a cub scout pack from Islip, remarking on the large number of cigarette butts found on the beach, voiced the opinion that smokers make a large contribution to litter on their beach. Having to categorize debris, not merely pick it up, drives home the frequency of certain types of litter. At the sites reporting so far, 1,583 cigarette butts were documented. All the data will be analyzed by the Ocean Conservancy, the organization that coordinates the Coastal Cleanup worldwide. They will compile site specific reports that will be useful in developing strategies to combat pollution in the area. Marine debris is not just unsightly; it poses dangers to humans and wildlife. Plastics, so lightweight and durable account for more than 50% of all marine debris. Plastic pellets, bags, and balloons are often mistaken for food by marine animals, causing internal injury, intestinal blockage, and starvation. Thousands of birds and marine animals die each year from entanglement in monofilament fishing line, strapping bands, balloon string, and 6-pack ring holders. Floating debris is a menace to navigation, fouling propellers, blocking intake valves and causing accidents. Pollution also compromises the the productivity of wetlands, and of nurseries for shell and fin fish. To learn more about the American Littoral Society and the September 2003 New York Beach Cleanup, visit www.alsnyc.org or call 718-318-9344