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International Coastal Cleanup

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Thank you for joining Ocean Conservancy and hundreds of thousands of volunteers from around the world for the 2009 International Coastal Cleanup. At last year's Cleanup, nearly 400,000 volunteers collected more than 6.8 million pounds of trash in 100 countries and 42 US states — the largest volunteer effort of its kind.

Did you bring your camera to the International Coastal Cleanup? If so, share your favorite pictures with the world by uploading them to our Flickr group »

Cleanup Registration What does it take to organize a Cleanup?
Help start a sea change in your own backyard. Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to become a coordinator for the largest volunteer effort of its kind, the International Coastal Cleanup. Find out more »
ICC Guide to Marine Debris Cover Guide to Marine Debris and the International Coastal Cleanup
Our latest publication is designed to serve as a reference to standardize terminology for marine debris items and to help volunteers identify unknown debris items. It provides the basic background information you need to participate in the Cleanup, whether on the ocean's beaches, inland waterways, or underwater. Read it now (pdf) »
ICC 2009 Report Cover 2008 International Coastal Cleanup Data Report:
Our report reveals all the findings of the 2008 Cleanup in its one-of-a-kind Marine Debris Index, the world's only country-by-country, state-by-state breakdown of trash in our ocean, lakes, rivers, and streams. This data, compiled each year at the Cleanup, has informed major legislation, inspired improvements in packaging and other technologies, and expanded recycling efforts in communities.
Marine Debris Impacts
 Impacts of Ocean Trash:
The report also zeroes in on the startling impacts of ocean trash on wildlife and ocean ecosystems. And it identifies marine debris as one of the stresses compromising the ocean's ability to adapt to climate change.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jill Woodyard, Lake Erie, Ohio

Jill WoodyardJill Woodyard, executive secretary and Coastweek co-coordinator, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, has been involved in Coastweek and the International Coastal Cleanup since 1992. "We're all about Lake Erie, our whole heart and soul is about promoting the betterment of Lake Erie and our Great Lakes," she said. "Still, we never lose sight of our connection with our ocean." She explains to volunteers that the five Great Lakes contain 20 percent of the world's fresh water, and that they are directly connected to waters around the world, including the ocean »