ICC Report: Debris Doesn't Disappear Without You

Once again more than 80% of trash originates on land and is found in the ocean and waterways

June 7, 2007

Media Contact: Kelly Shall

Washington, DC — Today, Ocean Conservancy is releasing its annual report on marine debris including new data from the 2006 International Coastal Cleanup. The release is one day before World Ocean Day, and is a perfect time to renew our call for increased ocean conservation. The 2006 Cleanup was the 21st annual Cleanup conducted by Ocean Conservancy and was made possible by the 358,617 dedicated volunteers around the world in 68 countries. The volunteers not only removed 7,000,000 pounds of debris from the ocean, rivers, lakes and waterways, but they also recorded what they found. An analysis of that data is completed by Ocean Conservancy to provide the most detailed picture of marine debris currently available. It also provides insight to where the trash comes from and how it ends up in the ocean and waterways.

“At a time when so many of us feel compelled to address environmental challenges that are large and complex, the International Coastal Cleanup provides a direct, tangible way to make a difference for one of the largest problems we face trash in our ocean and waterways,” said Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of Ocean Conservancy. “The health of our ocean is a metaphor for the health of our planet and ultimately of human beings who are sustained by the environment. It is time for each one of us to help improve the health of our planet, and the International Coastal Cleanup provides the perfect venue.”

In the 2006 Cleanup, 1,074 animals were found entangled in marine debris by our volunteers including a one-year old seal that was entangled in fishing gear along Hobe Sound, Florida. Of all the animals found entangled this year the seal was the only survivor. Dangerous debris items including discarded fishing gear, ropes, grocery and trash bags as well as small pieces of plastic are responsible for thousands of animal deaths due to entanglement or ingestion.

The release of this report begins the countdown to the 22nd annual International Coastal Cleanup, which is scheduled for September 15, 2007. Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer effort to clean up our marine environment. This event gives everyone a chance to practice one important form of ocean conservation. By removing trash from the ocean, we are conserving the habitat of countless wildlife.

Results from the 2006 International Coastal Cleanup:

• 358,617 volunteers removed more than 7,000,000 pounds of debris from 34,560 miles of coastline, spanning 68 nations.
• Major sources of debris: 61 percent is from recreational and shoreline activities and 29 percent of the trash is a result of smoking related activities both of which are primarily land-based sources of debris.

Top 10 Debris Items Found during the 2006 International Coastal Cleanup:

1. Cigarettes/cigarette filters 1,901,519
2. Food wrappers and containers 768,115
3. Caps/lids 704,085
4. Bags 691,048
5. Beverage bottles (plastic) 570,299
6. Beverage bottles (glass) 420,800
7. Cups/plates/forks/knives/spoons 353,217
8. Straws/stirrers 349,653
9. Beverage cans 327,494
10. Cigar tips 186,258

Since 1986, over 6.6 million volunteers have removed a cumulative total of 116,000,000 pounds of debris from the world’s beaches and waterways including 211,460 miles of shoreline in 127 nations.

Download the full report including state and country totals and access photos and graphics of the data.