Volunteers collected a record number of plastic bottles from the territory’s shoreline during this year’s International Coastal Cleanup activities, according to the Conservation and Fisheries Department.
And several more groups are still expected to report their results.
“Two volunteer groups collected over 800 plastic beverage bottles, which doubles the total amount of plastic bottles collected last year,” said Jasmine Hodge-Bannis, CFD conservation assistant. “Over 20 groups registered with the department for this year’s cleanup, and it will be interesting to note the total amount and type of trash collected territory-wide.”
Ultimately, the results will be submitted to the United States-based Ocean Conservancy.
The amount of trash found “raises a serious concern about our trash disposal practices and the negative impact dumping plastics have on the marine life,” Ms. Hodge-Bannis said. “This impacts our livelihood and the tourism sector, and residents must play a part to ensure greater trash disposal options are exercised.”
Ms. Hodge-Bannis also thanked the volunteers who participated.
“I am pleased with the response received from the community and the cooperation exercised despite the weather,” she said. “As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, we are a link in the chain of volunteers worldwide trying to address the importance of keeping our seas and oceans healthy and safe for all to enjoy.”
The International Coastal Cleanup is a one-day volunteer programme that encourages participants to spend a few hours cleaning a local beach, waterway or coastline by removing trash and unwanted debris.
During the Virgin Islands’ 2010 observance, plastic beverage bottles topped the list of items collected, with over 350. Cans and other aluminium beverage bottles placed second, with 208, while glass beverage bottles ranked third, at 201. Plastic bags, cups, plates, knives, spoons, caps and lids were other common items.