ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 22nd, 2011 –The Conservation and Fisheries Department is appealing to all volunteers who participated in the 2011 International Coastal Cleanup to submit the collected data as preliminary reports indicate that over 800 plastic bottles were collected thus far.
Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations the local cleanup organiser and Conservation Assistant in the Conservation and Fisheries Department Mrs. Jasmine Hodge-Bannis confirms that this initial data indicates a dramatic increase from last year’s figures.
In an invited comment she revealed that, “Two volunteer groups collected over 800 plastic beverage bottles which doubles the total amount of plastic bottles collected last year. Over 20 groups registered with the department for this year’s cleanup and it will be interesting to note the total amount and type of trash collected Territory-wide.”
The organiser stated that the data is needed for compilation and analysis so that the department will draw an accurate conclusion on the type of dumping activities taken place within the Territory.
The clean-up organiser added, “This also raises a serious concern about our trash disposal practices and the negative impact dumping plastics have on the marine life.”
“This impacts our livelihood and the tourism sector and residents must play a part to ensure greater trash disposal options are exercised. Dumping in the bush or along the shoreline is a no-no. Persons must use the garbage bins,” she exclaimed.
Mrs. Hodge-Bannis acknowledges the hard work and dedication put forth by all the volunteers and expressed her sincerest gratitude to each. She applauds all the individuals for taking their time and effort to ensure the cleanup was a success.
“I am pleased with the response received from the community and the cooperation exercised despite the weather. As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, we are a link in the chain of volunteers worldwide trying to address the importance of keeping our seas and oceans healthy and safe for all to enjoy,” Mrs. Bannis said.
The International Coastal Cleanup, which is sponsored by Ocean Conservancy, based in Washington, DC, is a one-day, 100 percent volunteer programme that encourages participants to spend a few hours cleaning a local beach, waterway or coastline by removing trash and unwanted debris from that vicinity.
During the 2010 International Coastal Cleanup, plastic beverage bottles topped the list of items collected with over 350 bottles being collected on that day. Can/aluminium beverage bottles placed second with 208 while glass beverage bottles ranked third at 201. Plastic bags, cups, plates, knives, spoons, caps and lids were other items listed as part of the top ten objects collected.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department supports the International Coastal Cleanup initiative which is 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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