COA Dives Deep into the Plastic Problem

Beach Sweeps Captains, agency officials, environmental leaders, business representatives, and students gathered at COA’s Debris Sea Free Conference to discuss issues and solutions to plastic pollution that threatens our coasts.  The full day conference, which was open to the public, delved into various topics starting with an overview of the current state of marine debris by the renowned Joan Leary Matthews, Director of the Clean Water Division of the U. S. EPA (Region 2).

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed discussions and workshops, including single use solutions, biodegradable plastics, and the social science behind why people litter.  This event was in recognition of 30 successful years of the Beach Sweeps program, all its volunteers, and the data compiled at over 70 locations.

During COA’s Beach Sweeps every volunteer becomes a ‘citizen scientist’ as they record each piece of debris collected.  The data collection turns a one-day event into a legacy of information that is used to identify sources of pollution and monitor trends.  Clean Ocean Action has been honored to partner with Bloomberg LP to thoroughly analyze the Beach Sweeps’ data set.  These records were revealed at the conference unveiling the extensive evaluation of more than twenty years of data.  This information will help to accurately monitor trends linking them with various legislation, consumerism, weather events, and industry changes.

The attendees admired creative marine debris community art mosaics designed by local artists and volunteers.  The large panels created an interesting thought-provoking visual display of “trash into treasure” as participants entered into the main area of the conference.

Over 150 conference guests were treated to breakfast, lunch and a wrap-up reception highlighting the most valuable resource of the Beach Sweeps – our volunteer Beach Captains.  COA thanks all the Captains and volunteers over the years, as well as the talented and experienced workshop panelists, plenary moderators and speakers at the Debris Free Sea Conference. 

My Time in the Lab

Have you ever wondered what happens to those plastic bottles and bags you see on the side of the road while you’re driving? Or have you asked yourself how these items can possibly harm a sea turtle or a fish? This summer in the lab, I am researching these questions and more. My name is Katie Veasey, I am a rising junior at Hamilton College majoring in Environmental Studies, and I became interested in the plastic pollution epidemic at a young age, by participating in COA's Beach Sweeps. As COA’s Marine Science Intern, I will be applying my knowledge of environmental science and chemistry to help determine how much plastic is out there that we are not seeing and the detrimental impacts it has on our marine environment.

Once we discard our plastic, we don't think twice about it. Unfortunately, it never really goes away - whether it's in a landfill, the ocean, or in the stomach of a whale, plastic does not biodegrade. Rather, it photodegrades when it is in the environment. When the plastic is exposed to the sun's rays and is agitated from water movement, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces that fish and other marine animals can collect and then consume. Other than being harmful to marine life by being confused as food, plastics carry high concentrations of toxic chemicals called Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (Frias et al. 2010). These include PCBs, DDTs, and flame retardants- in other words, not anything you want in your food.

 Clean Ocean Action has launched a research initiative to quantify the presence and abundance of these plastics at our beaches along the Jersey Shore. From Sandy Hook to Cape May, we are analyzing sand and water samples, looking for microplastics polluting these ecologically important areas. Further steps in the study include assessing visible microplastics along the coast and documenting microplastics in New Jersey’s low-trophic level coastal fishes, while promoting citizen action. As COA's Marine Science Intern, I am working on analyzing the samples that have already been processed and helping to process the remaining sand samples. I will be working with the Principal Investigators of this study, Catie Tobin of Clean Ocean Action, Beth Sharack of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) seniors Bobby McLaughlin and Nicolette Runko throughout the summer.

 Follow my blog series throughout the summer for updates from the lab as we discover these microplastics!

Click here for the full overview of our research project: http://cleanoceanaction.org/index.php?id=824

Do you know what’s on your plastic?!

Erik Zettler, Sea Education Association

Scientists recently discovered tiny organisms prospering on pieces of plastic that are found in the ocean. Otherwise known as the ‘plastisphere’, these microorganisms have found themselves a home in our ‘garbage’. It is the same garbage that has the potential to make its way into the ocean and possibly be ingested by a multitude of animals. Will these microorganisms have an effect on the marine environment? Will they be able to enter into the food web?

A group of scientists from Sea Education Association, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, studied these questions while scanning various pieces of marine debris throughout the North Atlantic Ocean.  At the conclusion of their study, they identified over 1000 various colonies of bacterial cells. In contrast to the microorganisms generally found within the seawater, these bacteria were different, raising the possibility that the plastic pieces form an “artificialmicrobial reef” for the microorganisms. Plastic, unlike other material commonly found in the ocean (i.e. feathers, wood, etc.), generally lasts longer creating a permanent residence for the bacteria on the ‘artificial microbial reef’. Because plastic is lightweight and robust, it is able to prevail in the surface waters of the marine environment allowing for the plastisphere to exist.

While these organisms are, in fact, microscopic, they are able to thrive on pieces of plastic of various sizes, some “no bigger than the head of a pin”. With plastic accumulation in the ocean becoming more common, this ‘plastisphere’ can represent a combination of these small fragments.

This discovery opens the door to better understanding the role microorganisms can play in the marine environment and how that role can impact varying types of marine life. The plastisphere represents a new, innovative way that bacteria have evolved transportation from one location to the next. How will this new mode of transmission impact the surrounding communities? Will this increase the presence of water-based pathogens that proliferate and cause disease such as cholera and other gastrointestinal diseases? That is something scientists are still researching.

“Scientists Discover Thriving Colonies of Microbes in Ocean ‘Plastisphere’.” Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Media Relations Office.  Web.  June 27, 2013.

Wright, S.L., Thompson, R.C., and Galloway, T.S.  The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: A review.  Environmental Pollution 178: 483-492, 2013. 

Reused, Eco Art: "Plastic World" By Mary Ellen Croteau

Here at Clean Ocean Action, we work very hard to prevent plastic pollution as much as we can.  Sometimes, however, plastic can create beautiful art.  Check out artist, Mary Ellen Croteau's "Plastic World" exhibition: 

"Chicago-based artist, feminist and social activist Mary Ellen Croteau transforms scrap made from organic polymers into contemporary art in an effort to clean up our environment and draw attention to litter that often goes un-recycled. She does it by turning discarded plastic bags, jar lids and bottle caps into decorative and room-brightening objects."  For more information, click here.

Volunteers Find the Wild, the Wacky and the Weird During Beach Sweeps

Clean Ocean Action 2012 Annual
Beach Sweeps Report Released

A Citizen Call to Action for April 27, 2013

Photo Credit: Joe Sapia

Clean Ocean Action (COA) released the 2012 Beach Sweeps Report today, highlighting the Dirty Dozen, Roster of the Ridiculous, and the totals for over 90 items of marine debris collected by volunteers last year.  To view the Beach Sweeps Report online, click here.  

In 2012, 6,926 volunteers collected, tallied, and removed over 350,000 pieces of debris from NJ’s shoreline during Clean Ocean Action’s 27^th Annual Beach Sweeps.  The majority of the debris removed was disposable plastics—items designed to be used once and thrown away.  Plastic, including foam, represents 82.7% of the total waste found.  It is clear: disposable plastic items continue to litter beaches, threaten marine life, and impact water quality. 

The Beach Sweeps has become New Jersey’s largest environmental event with thousands of citizens combing nearly all 127 miles ocean coastline and bay beaches.  The spring event coincides with Earth Month to provide citizens with an educational, hands-on, meaningful, rewarding activity to make a real difference.

During these 28 years, over 100,000 citizens have collected over 5 million items, tabulated data, and created a legacy of information that is used to fight for better anti-litter programs and educate people about the harms caused by marine debris to the economy and wildlife.

The majority of the debris removed was disposable plastics including:

• 49,362 cigarette filters
• 22,308 straws and stirrers
• 38,349 caps and lids

Odd items collected, contributing to the "Roster of the Ridiculous" are:

• Earmuffs
• Hairclip with fake hair
• False eyelashes
• Shopping cart
• Fortune cookie
• Stuffed horse
• Magic wand
• Vampire teeth
• Ant trap
• Boomerang
• Brake shoes
• Baby shark toy
• Message in a bottle
• Wicker sofa
• Christmas lights
• Stove burner

Call to Action 2013

Want to be a part of Beach Sweeps? Clean Ocean Action (COA) invites citizens and organizations to participate in the 28th Annual Spring Beach Sweeps on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at over 60 sites along the Jersey Shore. 

To view the Beach Sweeps Report online visit, www.cleanoceanaction.org. For a complete list of site locations and details, please visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

All volunteers must register through www.cleanoceanaction.org.  Volunteers should bring gloves, dress for the weather, apply sunscreen, and wear closed-toed, hard-soled shoes.

Consider Taking your Beach Sweeping to the Next Level

Collect donations for your volunteer efforts and raise funds for COA's ocean protection work.  Raise $100 and receive Clean Ocean Action's popular ChicoBag made from recycled plastic bottles.  Teams can join the effort at http://www.crowdrise.com/BeachSweeps. 

What Debris is in Your Local Waterway?

Here is a very helpful update from DEP and DOT on Waterway Debris Removal:

Debris in marsh areas in Brick, NJ

• The State of New Jersey has awarded three contracts to companies who will remove Sandy-related, FEMA-eligible debris from waters of the State  in the 11 Debris Management Zones.  The duration of the contract is one year.  The goal of this cleanup effort is to be 75% complete by June 1st  but cleanup will likely continue throughout the boating season and into the Fall.

• The areas where debris has been identified was  determined by reconnaissance conducted by State personnel as well as reports from FEMA, municipalities, counties and residents.  Additional reconnaissance will be conducted by the contractors to further identify debris and sand deposits. 

• The areas where the contractors will be operating are within the waters of the State of New Jersey.  This includes (without limitation): bays, tidal rivers,  and those tidal waterways affected by the storm surge.  As part of the cleanup effort, debris monitors will be assigned to  each debris removal contractor.  In addition, a project manager will be identified for the entire project.  The project manager will be responsible for scheduling, invoicing, data management, oversight of the contractors, etc. 

• The materials that will be removed through this effort must be FEMA eligible.  The best source of information on FEMA eligibility is this FEMA guidance document.

• In addition to the contractors that have been hired, the State Department of Transportation is surveying State navigation channels.  This activity has already begun.  NJDOT will be using side scan sonar to identify debris areas including new shoals.

How You Can Help

Your help in this effort is needed.  If you know of areas where waterway debris is located, please send a photograph of the site along with latitude and longitude or your best location information (e.g., closest intersection) so we can direct our contractors to the site.  Please send these photos to communications@cleanoceanaction.org.  Also if you are aware of any debris washing into the OCEAN during the storm, including cars, boats, structural debris, trees, household contents, as well as items washing up onto beaches, please let us know. 

For additional information on Waterway Debris removal click here.

NJ Bill to Reduce Plastic Bag Pollution and Support Barnegat Bay Passes Committee

NJ Bill to Reduce Plastic Bag Pollution and Support Barnegat Bay Passes Committee

Photo Credit: http://www.seaturtle.org/imagelib/?photo=4364

(Trenton, New Jersey) – Clean Ocean Action testified before the Senate Environment and Energy Committee  in general support of Senate Bill 812, the “Carryout Bag Reduction and Recycling Act,” a bill that would provide financial incentives to reduce the number of paper and plastic carryout bags distributed by stores.  The bill proposes that the funds generated would be directed to help improve water quality in Barnegat Bay and passed in Committee today.  However, COA urged that in the short term, a substantial portion of the proceeds go toward removing massive debris fields in the marine environment caused by Sandy.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith, Chairman of the Committee, would require the operator of every convenience store, drugstore, supermarket or retail establishment that provides carryout bags to its customers to implement a $0.05 fee for every carryout bag distributed beginning January 1, 2014.   Additional incentives encourage customers to bring reusable bags.

Twice each year, Clean Ocean Action holds state-wide Beach Sweeps where volunteers from across New Jersey gather at over 70 locations from Cape May to Essex County, recording and tallying data of the amount of debris collected.  According to Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps report for 2011, 8,245 plastic shopping bags were collected in just two days (by 7,575 volunteers).

Testifying on behalf of COA, Zach McCue, Citizen Action Coordinator said, “While plastic bags may not be the number one item collected during beach sweeps, they still contribute significantly to the unnecessary amount of waste on our shores.  This bill takes action to reduce needless pollution while starting a much needed dialogue on the public’s usage of single use disposable plastic.”

Reducing the use of single use bags with financial incentives will dramatically reduce the consumption of plastic bags, as well as provide resources for reducing pollution. Many business leaders in NJ are already encouraging people to bring their own bags.  A statewide reduction of plastic bag use is necessary to ensure this law is fair and effective.

“According to Beach Sweep data, we have noticed an apparent decline in smoking related debris with the increase of smoking bans in public places,” stated Tavia Danch, Clean Ocean Action Education Coordinator.  “We are hoping to see a similar result with a plastic bag reduction law.  In addition, the purchase of cigarettes includes fees which help fund programs to improve public health.  Similarly, this Bag Reduction law will direct the funds generated by this environmental threat to help improve water quality,” added Danch. 

Clean Ocean Action supports, S812, in general with initial recommendations and may have further suggestions.  For the first 5 years, allowing a substantial portion of the revenues generated by the bill should be used to help municipalities fund the clean-up of marine debris caused by Hurricane Sandy, including communities of the Barnegat Bay.  Much of the debris, including displaced boats, cars, and refrigerators, are hazardous to habitats and wildlife and contain toxins. The price of cleaning shorelines and waterways may cost millions of dollars and funds from S812 could help defray those costs.

Following the initial 5 years, funds should then be directed solely to the Barnegat Bay to improve water quality.  After 10 years from passage, the bill should require a reassessment of funding structures to consider future needs to improve water quality.  Clean Ocean Action is also concerned with the enforceability of the bill, and asked the Committee to put measures in place to assure that the NJDEP will enforce the provisions and produce the reports that are stipulated in the bill.

“We are encouraged that NJ may join the growing efforts in the US and around the world to reduce this harmful, and avoidable source of pollution, waste, and litter, as well as fund important work to improve water quality,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of COA.

Big Rise in Tiny Pollutants

According to a report from the BBC, "the quantity of small plastic fragments floating in the north-east Pacific Ocean has increased a hundred fold over the past 40 years"...

Big rise in North Pacific plastic waste

Scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography documented the big rise when they trawled the waters off California.

They were able to compare their plastic "catch" with previous data for the region.

The group reports its findings in the journal Biology Letters.

"We did not expect to find this," says Scripps researcher Miriam Goldstein.

"When you go out into the North Pacific, what you find can be highly variable. So, to find such a clear pattern and such a large increase was very surprising," she told BBC News.

All the plastic discarded into the ocean that does not sink will eventually break down.

Sunlight and the action of the waves will degrade and shred the material over time into pieces the size of a fingernail, or smaller.

An obvious concern is that this micro-material could be ingested by marine organisms...

Read More Here

"Food Glorious Food".... another reason why COA's Family Beach Ball is so incredible! 

AND...in honor of the meal you are planning for Mom on Sunday (hint, hint...) we close with our TEN TIPS for the Kitchen

The 2012 Beach Ball will serve a delectable raw bar by Lusty Lobster Seafood Market and Catering (Highlands, NJ); scallops by Fishermen’s Dock Cooperative (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ); catering by Brennan’s Delicatessen (Rumson, NJ); artisan cheeses by Wegmans (Ocean, NJ); and tiki bar by Holly Crest Wine Cellars, beer by Hunterdon Brewing Co. and Island Margaritas (Rumson, NJ).  Dessert will be provided by The Flaky Tart (Atlantic Highlands, NJ), and Sugarush (Red Bank, NJ); and ice cream by Gracie and the Dudes (Sea Bright and Middletown, NJ).  This year's main caterer - Brennan's Delicatessen uses local purveyors and local growers regularly.  Brennan's also shares a co-op farm to ensure the freshest local produce is used for each and every bite as well as plates made from recycled fallen leaves which will be featured at the Beach Ball.

At the Beach Ball, we use only reusable or compostable service ware and napkins and we are sticking to a menu that is all possible without the need for utensils; even the ice cream will be a delectable treat within an edible shell!

To boot, kids will enjoy eco-friendly crafts, re-using many household items for the projects run by our creative childrens' activities team with COA's sustainability initiatives in mind.  At the end of the day, all composting and recycling will be handled by Waste Management and WasteNot Solutions (both in the tent and behind the scenes in our kitchen and prep areas). 

Admission is $75 per adult (until Mother's Day - May 13^th), which includes admission for two children.  The event is a BYOB&C (Bring your own blankets and chairs).

For more information, including opportunities for sponsorship, please contact the COA office at (732) 872-0111, or visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.  The latest information about the Family Beach Ball can also be followed online via facebook and twitter.

Hungry yet?  Join us for the real thing on May 20th!!! 

Also, don't forget these important tips for the kitchen during your next celebration of friends and family. 

1. Avoid disposable products items such as containers, rags, and bags. If you must use disposable products make sure it is made from post-consumer recycled materials. Use and re-use wax paper and aluminum foil rather than plastic wrap and bags. and invest in reusable

2. Comply with law ~ recycle properly your local Public Works Department to learn how to recycle properly in your town. Participate in Household Hazardous Waste Clean-Up Days. If possible, start a compost pile for your garden with household scraps.

3. Use alternative cleaners vegetable-based soap (such as Seventh Generation) rather than detergent. Avoid products that contain chemical disinfectants such as antibacterial triclosan or triclocarbon, which can contaminate water supplies. For dishwashers, try using 50% washing soda (sodium carbonate) and 50% Borax or a detergent with low phosphate content. Use white vinegar to clean mold, grout stains, windows, and mirrors.

4. Keep your house clean and green doesn’t require a list of ingredients on the label of cleaning products. Look for labels that have “No Petrochemicals”, “No Chlorine”, “Low Phosphates”, and “No Ammonia”. A clean, green, non-toxic kitchen is best for you, children, pets, and the environment. 


5. Reduce plastics by using re-usable and recycled glass food storage sold in glass containers and re-use for and storage. Studies show that some plastic containers can leach chemicals into food which can cause health problems.

6. Use dish towels, cleaning cloths, and cloth napkins be used over and over. Use old t-shirts and towels as cleaning cloths. Cloth decreases your use of paper! 


7. Save energy appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, and conventional ovens. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

8. Don’t put harmful chemicals down the sink to decrease or limit your use of phosphates, which promote algae blooms in waterways that harm marine life. Instead, pour ½-cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1-cup white vinegar. Allow mixture to foam for several minutes then flush with 1-gallon boiling water.

9. Buy Smart from non-biased sources, such as www.goodguide.com.  

10. Look for local food - distances has a huge carbon footprint. Reduce  greenhouse gas emissions by buying locally grown produce. 

2011 Beach Sweeps Report!

In 2011, 7,575 volunteers collected, tallied, and removed over 452,698 pieces of debris from NJ’s shoreline during Clean Ocean Action’s 26^th Annual Beach Sweeps.  The majority of the debris removed was disposable plastics—items designed to be used once and thrown away.  Plastic, including foam, represents 83% of the total waste found.  It is clear: disposable plastic items continue to litter beaches, threaten marine life, and impact water quality.  The 2011 data marks the first year in Beach Sweeps history that cigarettes have not been one of the three most common items of debris collected during the bi-annual event.  

The Beach Sweeps has become New Jersey’s largest environmental event with thousands of citizens combing nearly all 127 miles ocean coastline and additional bay beaches.  The spring event coincides with Earth Month to provide citizens with an educational, hands-on, meaningful, rewarding activity to make a real difference.

In 2011, plastic pieces increased sharply, becoming the most collected piece of debris.  The prevalence of plastic pieces found at the Beach Sweeps is a symbol of our ‘throwaway’ culture. This upward trend may be due to the increase in use of single use disposable plastics and their persistence. It is important, now more than ever, that we reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics properly.  

Plastic does not biodegrade, instead through a combination of chemical reactions and physical forces (including sunlight and waves) plastics can slowly break down into smaller and smaller pieces and in the process release toxic chemicals into the sea, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and styrene trimer (a liquid hydrocarbon).

Plastic pieces can be deadly to marine life as they can be accidently ingested by or entangle wildlife. During the 2011 Sweeps, 20 animals were found dead due to entanglement of nylon balloon string, fishing line, and six-pack rings.  Beach Sweeps volunteers were able to free three entangled animals at the event.  

Plastics also pose physical and chemical hazards when ingested by wildlife.  Ingestion of plastics can result in starvation, stress, reproductive defects, cancer, and can be fatal to marine life.  Plastics also release toxic chemicals as they break down, and they absorb and amass toxic pollutants from the environment.   

Another highlight from 2011’s data is the decline in cigarette filters collected— dropping from the top 3 most common pieces of debris for the first time in 19 years.  Other smoking-related items (packaging, lighters, cigar tips) also declined. 

The overall decline of smoking items may be a result of more smoking bans on beaches, more appropriate disposal and awareness, and an overall societal decrease in smokers. Hopefully, this will be a trend that continues, as cigarette filters are among some of the most toxic items found in the marine environment.

Click here to check out the 2011 Annual Beach Sweep Report.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas From Clean Ocean Action's Staff

With the holidays closing in, Clean Ocean Action is sharing a few ocean-friendly ideas for your loved ones this year.  Enjoying the holidays with friends and family is made that much better knowing it is done in an environmentally responsible way!

Cut Back on Plastic Wherever Possible! 

When choosing toys, games, gifts, etc, pick the ones with the least packaging, choose to wrap the gifts yourself (with re-used newspaper from your recycle bin!), and re-use those giant bags stores give you as garbage bags or food shopping bags (not in that order).  Plastic takes several hundred years to degrade – and in the meanwhile it’s choking our oceans, our marine life, and our beaches!

Gift Idea: Reusable Coffee Mugs/Water Bottles

Sometimes explaining to your friends and family why they should have re-usable coffee mugs and water bottles isn't enough.  This Christmas you can take the extra step and get one for them!  People may not realize how many plastic water bottles and Styrofoam coffee mugs are used every day.  Often, after that one-time use, that plastic and Styrofoam end up as ocean pollution.  Your friends and family will feel better knowing that their daily trip to the coffee shop won't cause harm to the ocean!  Check out COA's re-usable bottles here.

Have a Party for your Friends and Family!
Gifts are great, but so is a pot-luck dinner.  Making special meals for your loved ones is a treat not to be missed! Make it even more meaningful by having a donation-raffle: pass around a basket to collect donations, have everyone write down their favorite non-profit organization and drop them in another basket, hat or stocking; shake, stir, mix up the names, and then have someone select one (or two) as the "winning" organization.  In the holiday spirit, any size gift matters!

Stories, not Stuff!

Reduce the accumulation of useless material objects by giving a gift of experience.  There are plenty of waste-free options for holiday gifts. Gift certificates, tickets for sports games and shows, music lessons, and travel adventures will always be welcome and come without all that gift-wrap. You can also think outside of the box and create a personalized booklet with coupons for getting out of chores, eating out, or staying up late.

Happy Holidays!!

Beach-bound this weekend?

Headed to the beach this weekend?  Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the weekend, while also being mindful of the enviorment. 

• Leave only footprints in the sand. Use garbage and recycling receptacles or bring home what you bring to the beach (carry in, carry out).
• Bring a bucket to the beach to build sandcastles and at the end of the day collect litter for trash or to recycle.
• The beach is not an ashtray. Cigarette filters are not biodegradable and can be lethal when eaten by birds and fish that mistake them for food.  Use an ashtray, bucket, or even your pocket.
• Carpool, walk, bike, or use mass transit to the beach.  Cars are a leading source of air and water pollution.  Turn off your car if idling for more than 30 seconds; this will conserve fuel, save money, and reduce pollution.
• Scoop the poop! Bring a bag or newspaper to clean up after your pets       (it’s the law).  Flush the waste (not the      bag or newspaper) down the toilet or     place in the trashcan.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Reduce your consumption of single-use disposable plastics such as bags, water bottles, and straws.  Invest in re-usable containers.  Consider purchasing used items by visiting yard sales, thrift shops, craigslist.com, and ebay.com. Find out about local recycling programs and recycle properly. Buy reusable or recyclable products.
• Watercrafts should not be operated in shallow areas. Operate in deeper water where you are less likely to disturb      habitat.  Obey “fragile area” and “slow no wake” signs.  Refer to COA’s “Tips for Personal Watercraft.”
• Watch what you’re dune.  Dunes and grasses protect inland areas from wind and wave action and help preserve the shore. Dunes provide habitat for birds and animals.
• Critter encounter.  The shore is home to thousands of creatures.  Observe them from a distance.  If you see an animal entangled, injured, or in danger, contact a lifeguard, local health department, or wildlife rehabilitator.
• Don't go overboard.  Never discharge wastes overboard.  If you have an installed toilet in your boat, use the nearest pump out facility.  If you own a portable toilet, empty it at home or at a shore side dump station. 

Plastics, the reality.

Indeed, we live in a plastic bubble… perched on the art of convenience.  The average person may not think twice about the role of disposable plastic water bottles, single use shopping bags, and plastic food wrappers in their lives; however, studies show that there are hidden costs to our addiction to plastic.   

Clean Ocean Action has been cataloging the types and quantities of NJ’s marine debris for over twenty years. The Beach Sweep program is a statewide initiative intended to rid NJ’s beaches of unsightly and harmful debris. Most importantly, volunteers are instructed to record data on each piece of debris collected to be included in annual reports that offer evidence of the severity of the local pollution problem.

Each year, plastic is the most abundant type of debris collected during the Sweeps at about 80%.  During the 2010 Beach Sweeps, over 66,000 plastic bottle caps were collected in just six hours! New Jersey’s beaches and waterways do not suffer alone to the evil plague of plastics, as it can be found in varying amounts in every ocean basin, on even the most remote beaches in the world, and sadly, in the stomachs of many marine mammals.   

The truth about plastic is that it does not bio-degrade; it photo-degrades (breaking into smaller and smaller pieces)… never truly going away.  As plastic garbage becomes smaller it becomes more difficult to be removed from the environment and easier to trap or to be ingested by wildlife.  Entanglement occurs when an animal accidentally becomes ensnared in marine debris.  Morality can occur quickly through drowning or predation or it can be a long agonizing death from starvation, infection, or gradual strangulation.

Ingestion occurs when organisms mistake debris for natural food items. An example is the similarity between plastic bags and jellyfish as they float in the currents of the ocean.  Ingested items can block or damage the digestive system leading to infection or starvation.  A stomach full of garbage can make an animal feel full, causing them to stop eating.

Check out photographer Chris Jordan’s Message from the Gyre….

http://www.chrisjordan.com/gallery/midway/#CF000313%2018x24