ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, September 10th, 2012  –  The public is encouraged to keep the Virgin Islands beautiful by supporting International Coastal Clean-Up Day to be observed on Saturday 15 September. However, clean-up activities in the Virgin Islands officially start on September 12 and continue through October 15.

The Coordinator, Ag., Conservation Assistant, Mrs. Jasmine Hodge-Bannis 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.

“Last year, 117 people took part in the land-based cleanup but there was no underwater cleanup. However, this year, we would like for interested divers to be a part of the solution towards a clean ocean. This is our Territory and it is our responsibility to take care of what we love and call home by keeping our coastline, waterways and beaches pristine for future generations. I really hope the community comes out and gets involved. Interested persons should come to the department to get registered,” she added.

According to Mrs. Hodge-Bannis the department will provide gloves, bags and data cards for the volunteers. The cards list a number of items under different categories. Each time a specific item listed, is collected, a number should be written in the box next to the item. The records are for accurate representation of what was collected to produce proper analysis on what activities are causing the trash.

The coordinator also encouraged volunteers to work in teams with one person designated “Recorder” or “Captain” while the others collect and bag the trash. She reiterated that persons should wear protective shoes and clothing and that they should take plenty of “before-and-after” photos.

At the 2011 International Coastal Cleanup, beverage bottles topped the list of items collected with over 1506 plastic and 591 glass bottles. There were 564 caps and lids and 456 beverage aluminium/cans. Plastic bags, straws, rope, forks, knives and spoons were also listed as items that were a part of the top ten objects collected.

As well as there being over 100 volunteers, last year’s initiative sparked at least 13 volunteer-groups. The Conservation and Fisheries Department will continue to stress the importance of record keeping and data collection during this upcoming initiative.

The International Coastal Cleanup 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.

Ocean Conservancy based in Washington, DC, are the official sponsors of the International Coastal Cleanup. They analyze and compile the information into an annual report that gives specific information for each country.

This report is used by local policy makers to develop solutions for problems caused by marine debris and to raise awareness among the general public of waste and environmental issues.

The Conservation and Fisheries Department supports the International Coastal Cleanup initiative and are 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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