The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) will host several marine debris cleanup opportunities in September and October. Volunteers are invited to join shoreline cleanups on Cape Cod and in Boston and to participate in the debris data collection and documentation.
BOSTON AREA
Leading off the September beach cleanups this year is a unique opportunity in Boston. Volunteers may join the GREAT BOSTON HARBOR ISLAND CLEANUP for a day-long cleanup on September 16, 17, 18 or 19. Cleanup volunteers will depart by boat from Hingham each day at 8am and return by 5:30pm. A collaborative effort with MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation, National Parks of Boston, and US Fish & Wildlife Service, registration is required at the MA DCR webpage.
Throughout the week of September 16th, volunteers are needed to assist with processing and documenting the marine debris removed from the islands at a staging area on Pemberton Point in Hull. Inquire with fmcgirr@coastalstudies.org to learn more.
On Saturday, September 21, an Open House of Marine Debris from the Boston Harbor Islands will be held at Pemberton Point, Hull, from 4pm-6pm. The public is invited to attend.
PROVINCETOWN
The Center’s annual COASTSWEEP, now in its 16th year, will also be held on Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 12 pm. Volunteers gather at MacMillan Pier for free Flyer’s shuttle service to Long Point. Debris will be tallied for inclusion in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) global database. Registration is required.
CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE
Later in the month, the Center for Coastal Studies will host its 9th annual GREAT BEACH CLEANUP. This cleanup takes place on four consecutive days from Friday, Sept. 27 through Monday, Sept. 30, and extends from Coast Guard Beach in Eastham to Race Point in Provincetown. Volunteers may choose one or more days. Please note, these are full-day cleanups, rain or shine (with an exception for hurricanes!) from 8 am to 4 pm.
Following the Great Beach Cleanup, we will hold the Trash Tally from October 1 – 5. Registration for both the cleanup and tally is requested, and additional details will be sent following registration. Click here to register.
LAST YEAR’S NUMBERS
In 2023, 109 volunteers with the Beach Brigade conducted 15 cleanups on Cape Cod. “So many individuals are making a difference in the health of our marine environment,” said Laura Ludwig, CCS Marine Debris & Plastics Program Director. “When we come together in a focused way to collect, sort and document plastic trash, the big picture of our impacts becomes quite clear. The Beach Brigade rises to the challenge each year, spending hundreds of hours in service to the ocean.” Last year, Beach Brigade volunteers sorted and inventoried over 75,000 pieces of marine debris and found the following top 13 debris items:
6669 non-descript plastic film pieces
5960 non-descript rigid plastic pieces >2 cm/1in 5267 foam cups/pieces
5257 non-descript rigid plastic pieces <2cm/1in 4521 styrofoam pieces
4167 rope pieces <1m/3ft
3510 plastic bottle caps
3227 non-descript foam pieces <2cm/1in
2906 lobster buoys/pieces
2734 food/candy wrappers
2105 foam dock material
1522 lobster claw bands
1226 rope knots
The Center for Coastal Studies Marine Debris & Plastics Program is engaged in studying, removing and educating about marine plastic pollution in a number of different ways. From beach cleanups to derelict fishing gear retrieval and art projects, the Center is the leader on Cape Cod addressing this issue.