More than a million people will join forces to scour the world`s beaches and waterways As summer comes to an end, volunteers around the world and residents of Cedar Key are preparing for the world`s largest annual cleanup of beaches and waterways - the International Coastal CleanupTM (ICC), coordinated by The Ocean Conservancy.
On Saturday, September 19, a million volunteers will comb beaches, lake shores, river banks, and even underwater sites in at least 74 countries and 54 U.S. states and territories. Their objective will be to remove and catalogue millions of pounds and pieces of debris discarded in the world`s waterways and present hard data on pollution sources worldwide.
The Ocean Conservancy produces and distributes data cards and data guides to be used by all Cleanup volunteers. After the Cleanup, The Ocean Conservancy compiles the information collected by volunteers and reports results that are used by policy makers and environmental groups to pursue programs to protect our marine world. This year`s effort in Cedar Key is being spearheaded by the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, City of Cedar Key Marina, Friends of Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges, Cedar Key Woman`s Club, Florida`s Nature Coast Conservancy, UF/IFAS Shellfish Extension Program, Tidewater Tours, Island Hopper, and Kayak Cedar Keys. Cleanup of the Cedar Key shoreline and outlying islands will occur from 8:00 a.m. until Noon on Saturday, September 19. Volunteers are to sign-in and pick-up trash bags at the Cedar Key Marina. Boat transportation provided by Tidewater Tours, Island Hopper, and FAVOR to the offshore keys is available to volunteers on a "first come, first served" basis.
From Noon to 2 PM all collected garbage will be sorted and documented on Ocean Conservancy data cards. Hot dogs will be provided to all volunteers. Cold water will also be supplied, but bring your own bottle to fill as we do not want to contribute hundreds of plastic bottles to the local landfill.
In conjunction with Coastal Cleanup, the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association is initiating a cleanup effort targeting cover netting. This plastic netting is used for predator protection of the clam crops. During storm events, cover netting can become dislodged and tidal currents can carry it away from the lease areas. During the week of September 20-26, waste bins will be located at the Shell Pile and City Marina for clammers, boaters, or anyone to deposit recovered cover netting. Those interested in joining this year`s ICC in Cedar Key should contact Sue Colson at 352- 543-6648, or The Ocean Conservancy at 1-800-262-FLOR. | 