ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 15th, 2011  – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour along with the Conservation and Fisheries Department is reminding the public of the importance of recording the items collected during the 2011 International Coastal Cleanup to be held this Saturday, September 17.

Local cleanup organiser and Conservation Assistant in the Conservation and Fisheries Department Mrs. Jasmine Hodge-Bannis told the Department of Information and Public Relations that while there is a drive to collect as much trash as possible, the items collected must be recorded so proper analysis can be made on what activities are causing the trash in the first place“It may be trash from marine activities, or trash from dumping activities, she said, adding, “It may be trash from illicit, personal or recreational activities but only when the data is recorded can those activities be determined.”

She also stressed the importance of listing the number of items collected, “If persons collect plastic bottles, you must indicate how many bottles are collected so that an accurate representation of what was collected can be made.”

“The department will provide volunteers with data cards that list a number of items under different categories. Each time you collect a specific item place a number next to that item on the card,” she explained.
The coordinator is encouraging volunteers to work in teams with one person designated to serve as recorder while others can collect and bag the trash.

The coordinator said that she is looking forward to an exciting and fun-filled day cleaning the Territory’s shoreline and is pleased with the favourable response shown thus far from the community.

“Over 20 volunteer groups and individuals have registered to take part in the coastal clean up and we are encouraging persons to keep safe by wearing protective shoes, gloves and clothing. Before and after photos are also encouraged,” 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.

At 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, 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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