Clean Ocean Action Releases 'Roster Of The Ridiculous' Found During Beach Sweeps

by Patricia A. Miller

Clean Ocean Action has come a long way since 75 volunteers first sifted through the sands of the Jersey Shore back in 1985, during the first annual beach sweeps.

By 2014, that number had grown to 7,000 volunteers who picked up more than 315,000 pieces of debris, most of it in the form of disposable plastics, at more than 70 locations.

“In 1985 to swim or not to swim was a valid question,” said Mike Bruno, a former COA beach captain. ”That inspired me to join Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps and do my part to keep our oceans free of debris. Now 30 years later, thanks to Clean Ocean Action, I no longer have to ask myself that question.”

Still, there is always more work to be done.

“The evidence is clear, disposable plastic items continue to litter beaches, threaten marine life and impact water quality,” according to COA’s annual Beach Sweep report.

The ”beach sweeper” volunteers recorded every single piece of debris collected along the oceanfront, bayshores, rivers, lakes and stream at more than 70 locations in 2014.

The COA organization also compiled a list of what they dubbed ”Roster of the Ridiculous” - unusual items discovered during the sweeps.

Some of the stranger items included a parking meter, car dashboard, Dracula teeth, wigs, Christmas lights, a saw blade, a statue of Baby Jesus, a plastic lobster and a tooth in a container.

Clean Ocean Action also released ”The Dirty Dozen” - the top kinds of debris found during the annual sweeps. Plastics topped the list, followed by cigarette filters, plastic caps and lids, food and candy wrappers, straws and stirrers, foam pieces, glass pieces, plastic beverage and soda bottles, lumber pieces, plastic bags, cigar tips and paper projects.

“Even after 30 years of cleanups, volunteers continue to pick up thousands of pieces of trash every year,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action. ”Protecting our beaches should not just be on Beach Sweep day, but should be instilled in us every day. The Jersey Shore is a treasure to all of us and it is our duty to keep it free of debris.”

The next beach sweep is slated for April 25 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., rain or shine. Click here for a tentative list of sites.