Come join Surfrider for the annual International Coastal Cleanup on September 19. More than a half million volunteers came together last year on this one-day event, sponsored by The Ocean Conservancy, to pick up more than 16 million pounds of trash over 16,000 miles of coastlines. This is the single largest volunteer event held around the world. This year, we need you by our side because our ocean needs you!
Marine litter is a global crisis for our ocean, its inhabitants and for those who enjoy it - us! Consider these facts: Analysis of more than 10 years of volunteer beach cleanup data indicates that 60 to 80 percent of beach debris comes from land-based sources. And debris in the marine environment means hazards for animals and humans. Plastic marine debris affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86 percent of all sea turtle species, 44 percent of all sea bird species, and 43 percent of marine mammal species.
We know that a cleanup is a starting point and won't solve the problem. But the more people who see the problem can help be part of the solution. Invite your family, friends and colleagues to join Surfrider at one of the many cleanups on September 19th. Find a chapter near you to see when and where a cleanup is being held in your community.
And if you don't live near the beach, join Surfrider and make a donation toward the future of our coasts.