This year, Beach Sweep volunteers must bring a mask to participate and maintain social distancing.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
In an effort to eliminate litter and raise awareness of the effects of litter on sea creatures and the ocean, Downbeach towns will be participating in Clean Ocean Action's semi-annual Beach Cleanups, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24.
Atlantic County locations are:
During last year's beach sweeps, 10,724 volunteers removed 496,291 pieces of debris at 62 sites in 53 municipalities and parks, predominantly along the coast.
Plastic and foam plastic items continue to dominate, accounting for 83.2% of the total items collected. The Dirty Dozen or most commonly found items reflect the dominance of plastic in the environment and account for 93.5% of litter found.
Although plastic straws, bags and balloons have decreased as a result of statewide awareness campaigns, for the second time, Clean Ocean Action added finding a kitchen sink on the beach in its Roster of the Ridiculous report.
Other somewhat ridiculous finds include an engagement ring, wheelchair, fake plant, glass trophy and an empty plastic bag of cremated remains.
Registration is required in advance to participate in the beach sweep, and COVID-19 prevention protocols will be in place. Volunteers must bring a mask and wear it when social distancing is not possible. Masks serve double duty by also protecting the wearer against exposure to debris.
Volunteers are asked to arrive at their selected beach location at 9 a.m. and check in with the beach captain on site, while maintaining 6-foot social distancing and wearing a mask.
Participants are not required to pick up any debris that can be potentially hazardous.
Hand sanitizer will be available and trash bags, recycling bags, data cards and pencils will be provided. Volunteers may bring their own masks, work gloves, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and individual hand sanitizer.
Individuals can register online at https://www.cleanoceanaction.org/index.php?id=aboutbeachsweeps
For more information, see CleanOceanAction.org.
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