August 31, 2023, by Lisa Teas Conaway

We are so excited to be cohosting with Ocean Conservancy for the kick start of their 38th annual International Coastal Cleanup!

We traveled with a large group of volunteers and likeminded individuals to Fred’s Creek on Kruzof Island. Everyone spread out across the beach and picked up Styrofoam, micro plastics, large fishing nets, rope, and many other discarded items. We used the Clean Swell app to track what kind of debris was found. This data helps scientists & advocates pursue solutions to our global plastic problem.

Over 1,500 lb of debris was collected and brought back to Sitka’s waste management site.

Our group included members of Senator Dan Sullivan’s office, Central Council Tlingit & Haida, Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Alaska Sea Grant, Marine Debris-Center for Alaskans, Takshanuk Watershed Council, Sitka Conservation Society, Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, City of Sitka, Sitka Trail Works, Alaska Longline Fisherman’s Association, University of Alaska Southeast, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, NOAA Marine Debris Program, United States Coast Guard, Akmoosey, TrashCaulin, Volunteers, Ocean Conservancy, and of course Sitka Sound Science Center.

 

Read a full article detailing the clean-up project further at the Juneau Empire.