National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Environmental Protection Agency Join Ocean Conservancy’s 23rd Annual International Coastal Cleanup on September 20th

September 12, 2008

Media Contact: Michele Capots

Washington, DC Ocean Conservancy welcomes the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their staff to the International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer event of its kind. Since 1986, the International Coastal Cleanup has gathered six million volunteers to remove more than 100 million pounds of marine litter from 170,000 miles of beaches and inland waterways. This year, the event takes place worldwide on Saturday, September 20.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program and EPA Marine Debris Program have helped to fund the International Coastal Cleanup for several years. As partners, they have helped improve the health of our ocean and waterways by shining a spotlight on the worldwide marine debris problem and promoting litter prevention.

"The ICC fits in perfectly with NOAA’s mission to help local communities from coast to coast address the problem of marine debris in our oceans and waterways," said John H. Dunnigan, NOAA assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service. "We look forward to commemorating another great year of collaboration between NOAA, EPA and Ocean Conservancy by volunteering our services for the International Coastal Cleanup."

"Ocean trash is a tragedy that can be prevented locally and globally if we all do our part," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "Land-based pollution has a hand-based solution: Reduce waste and put litter in its place, off the street and out of the stream."
"With the help of organizations like NOAA and EPA, we can Start a Sea Change," said Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of Ocean Conservancy. "The International Coastal Cleanup offers a solution to the hazardous effects of trash found in the ocean today. It’s something we can do to make a difference for one of the largest problems we face. All of us have a personal responsibility when it comes to the health of the ocean."

In 2007, 378,000 volunteers in 76 countries removed six million pounds of marine debris. Trash in the ocean continues to threaten millions of seabirds, fish and wildlife every year. Last year’s volunteers found 81 birds, 63 fish, 49 crabs and lobsters, 30 mammals, 11 reptiles and one amphibian entangled in debris that included discarded fishing line, fishing net, rope, and plastic bags.

Through data collection, the International Coastal Cleanup teaches us the behaviors that cause the problem in the first place. Each year, volunteers gather data on the types of debris collected. Ocean Conservancy produces the results in an annual report, which is the most comprehensive collection of volunteer marine debris data in the world. The report helps the public, industry, and government officials understand the issue, and helps spread the message about how to best address litter issues at the source.

NOAA, EPA and Ocean Conservancy volunteers, as well as volunteers all around the metro area, will kick off this year’s International Coastal Cleanup from 9 a.m. to Noon September 20th at Anacostia Park. Together, we can make a difference. To register for the DC Cleanup, or a Cleanup near you, log onto www.oceanconservancy.org/cleanup

About Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. For more information on our programs, visit www.oceanconservancy.org

About NOAA: NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. For more information, visit: http://www.noaa.gov/

About EPA:  The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. The agency uses regulations, partnerships, and public education to protect the environment including wetlands, watersheds, coasts and oceans.