File/Beach Sweep volunteers.
In preparation for the summer 2021 season, Downbeach communities will be participating in semi-annual beach cleanups 9-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17.
The cleanups are held in conjunction with Clean Ocean Action’s Spring Beach Sweep. The goal is to reduce and eliminate sources of litter. The program invites members of the community to support litter abatement solutions and raise awareness of the impact litter has on the ocean environment and marine life.
Volunteers will sweep the beach and collect data used to help create federal, state, and local programs and laws to reduce litter in the environment.
The report from the 2019 Beach Sweeps revealed:
- 10,724 volunteers removed 496,291 pieces of debris in just 6 hours at 62 sites in 53 municipalities and parks, predominantly along the coast
- This year’s data was used to advocate for laws to ban the use of single-use plastic items that often end-up as marine litter. New Jersey has since passed legislation to ban the use of single-use plastic bags and straws.
- Plastic and foam plastic items combined continue to dominate, accounting for 83.2% of the total items collected
- The Dirty Dozen (most common items) reflects plastic dominance with a record 93.5%
- The “Roster of the Ridiculous” surprises and astounds with items including for the second year a kitchen sink (pg. 5).
- Plastic straws, bags, and balloons have decreased, which may be attributed to broader attention and laws.
This year’s beach sweep will employ social distancing regulations. To reduce the size of gatherings at each location, the Spring Beach Sweeps will have staggered arrival times at 9 and 10 a.m. Volunteers can select their preferred arrival time when filling out the registration form.
ATLANTIC COUNTY Beach Sweep Locations:
- Atlantic City – Boardwalk at Albany Avenue
- Atlantic City – Boardwalk at Pennsylvania Avenue
- Brigantine – 17th Street Beach
- Longport – 33rd and Atlantic Avenue
- Margate – Beach at Granville Avenue
- Ventnor City – Newport Avenue Beach
