Help keep ocean, beaches trash-free

An estimated 27,000 pounds of trash, includ- ing these items above, was collected during the 2009 Coastal Cleanup initiative. (At right) Matt Likovich, spokesman for Delmarva Power, primary corporate sponsor of the Coastal Cleanup project for the last 20 years, speaks during an Aug. 19 press conference at the 146th Street beach entrance concerning the 2010 initiative, which kicks off locally on Sept. 18. (Aug. 27, 2010) “What does an air conditioner, toilet tank float and weed whacker have in common?” That’s a question Joanna Wilson, community relations officer for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, posed to members of the media and onlookers during the kickoff news conference for the 24th annual Coastal Cleanup campaign, held Aug. 19 at the beach entrance on 146th Street in Ocean City.

Those items, as well as plastic bottles, soda cans, food wrappers, fishing gear, thousands of cigarette butts, a shopping cart, two grills, jar of cherry peppers, flagpole, baseball glove and Sponge Bob balloons, were just some of the things found on the beaches and coastal areas during last year’s Coastal Cleanup. More than 2,600 volunteers collected approximately 27,000 pounds of trash during the 2009 effort, conducted at 61 locations in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.

“It’s a very worthwhile project. It’s my favorite project we do,” said Matt Likovich spokesman for Delmarva Power, the primary corporate sponsor of the Cleanup. This is the 20th year the company has been involved with the project. “It’s a win, win, win type of program.”

Likovich believes the initiative is making strides. While an estimated 27,000 pounds of trash was gathered during the 2009 event, approximately double that amount was collected several years ago.

“The ultimate goal is that, hopefully, people are getting the message to dispose of trash in the proper receptacles,” Likovich said.

During the press conference, Collin O’Mara, secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, quoted a report by the Ocean Conservancy that said trash from both ocean and land has increased by more than 5 percent in the United States each year. Success of this year’s event will depend on those who volunteer to pick up trash, he said.

“Even with great efforts, it’s still a losing battle,” O’Mara said. “It shows how all of us can take a little more responsible to take care of the treasure we have here … Let’s make 2010 a record year.”

There will be 53 sites cleaned this year in Maryland (10), Delaware (42) and New Jersey (1) on three consecutive Saturdays: Sept. 11, 18 and 25. Commemorative Tshirts will be given out to volunteers who assist in the efforts.

Gail Blazer is the contact person for the resort’s Cleanup, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 18, at 9 a.m. Over the years, between 35 and 50 volunteers have met annually at the Art League of Ocean City on 94th Street before heading to the beach to pick up trash along the dunes.

Although specially equipped tractors sweep the beach each night, the dunes get little attention during the summer, aside from a group of residents who patrol the dunes near their homes in order to keep them garbage-free.

For more information about the Ocean City event, call 410-289-8221.

The Assateague Island Cleanup is also scheduled for Sept. 18, and volunteers will meet at the national park at 8:30 a.m. Kathy Phillips, Assateague Coastkeeper and executive director of Assateague Coastal Trust, said approximately 300 attended the event last year and gathered a couple thousand pounds of trash. For more information, call Kim Fehrer at 410- 629-1538.

After the Cleanup, the annual Maryland Coast Day will take place on the state park grounds featuring a variety of food, vendors, children’s activities and organizations talking about what visitors and residents can do to protect the coastal bays.

The regional events are part of International Coastal Cleanup, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, whose mission is to protect the world’s oceans.

Trash collected will be itemized and the data received will be used to identify the source of debris and to focus on ways to reduce or eliminate waste. COASTAL CLEANUP: WORCESTER COUNTY: Saturday, Sept. 18 z Assateague Island: 9 a.m. Kim Fehrer, 410- 629-1538 z Ocean City: 9 a.m. Gail Blazer, 410-289-8221 z Pocomoke River, Snow Hill: 9 a.m. Ron Pilling, 410-632-3971 z Nassawango Creek, Snow Hill: Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. Joe Fehrer Jr., 410-632-4761 or 410-430-1743