ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, August 19th, 2011 – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Conservation and Fisheries Department invite volunteers to take part in the 26th annual International Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, September 17.
The International Coastal Cleanup is sponsored by Ocean Conservancy based in Washington, DC and is a 100% volunteer effort where persons are encouraged to spend a few hours cleaning a local beach, waterway or coastline by removing trash and unwanted debris from that vicinity.
In explaining the main purpose of the initiative, Ocean Conservancy’s website states: “Marine debris that collects in the ocean can sicken, injure, or kill countless marine mammals, sea turtles and birds that ingest or are entangled in trash. It impacts coastal economies that rely on a healthy and vibrant ocean. However, solving the problem and reducing and preventing trash from entering our waterways is one of the easiest ways we can help protect the ocean.”
Local cleanup organiser and Conservation Assistant in the Conservation and Fisheries Department Mrs. Jasmine Hodge-Bannis is encouraging the Territory’s residents to assist in this year’s cleanup, saying, “All residents should be motivated to partake in this initiative once they realise that marine pollution is not just a Virgin Islands problem, but a global one.”
Mrs. Hodge-Bannis added, “When individuals assist the cleanup effort, they should be proud of their work in enhancing both the Territory’s tourism product and national pride.”
The Conservation and Fisheries Department is requesting volunteers to accurately record the type of trash removed, the total number of bags and estimated weight collected. The information will be dispatched to Ocean Conservancy for analysis and compilation.
In addition to the International Coastal Cleanup, the Conservation and Fisheries Department will embark on a local coastal cleanup on Sunday, September 18.
For more information or to volunteer, persons should call the Conservation and Fisheries Department at 468-3429 or 468-3701 extensions 5551 or 5555. Registration forms are available in English, Spanish and French.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department supports the International Coastal Cleanup initiative, committed to protecting the world’s coastal environments and ocean life. The event is the world’s largest one-day volunteer effort to help the marine and coastal environment.
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