STEVE JASIECKI/Volunteers sweep the beach Saturday, Oct. 26.
Submitted by STEVE JASIECKI
MARGATE – Saturday was a picture-perfect day for hundreds of beachcombers from Raritan to the Delaware Bay to stroll the beaches for the fall Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep.
The Clean Ocean Action held its annual Beach Sweep in more than 70 locations throughout New Jersey. Hundreds of volunteers walked the shoreline collecting debris and filling out data cards to record the items found on the beach.
Ventnor, Margate and Longport each had a station where beach captains distributed gloves, trash bags and data cards to the volunteers. Clean Ocean Action collects this data for their annual report. It uses the recorded information to itemize the type of debris found and work on federal and state programs to reduce litter.
Margate had its station near the Bloom Pavilion on Granville Ave. Recycling Coordinator, Anthony Edge was there to distribute materials needed to the 60 volunteers who showed up to clean the beach. The Eugene A. Tighe Middle School Surfrider Club, students, families and individuals volunteered for this worthy endeavor. With balmy temperatures, no wind and ample sunshine, it was a perfect day for a walk on the beach.
Clean Ocean Action started these cleanups back in 1985 with just 75 people. Since then, it has grown to include more than 9,000 people and 70 sites.
Steve Jasiecki is chairman of Sustainable Margate.
