Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for COASTSWEEP, the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and coordinated by the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) of the University of Massachusetts Boston. COASTSWEEP will kickoff its 22nd year on September 19, 2009.
COASTSWEEP is part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by The Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect marine debris and record the types of trash they collect. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems.
Each year, thousands of COASTSWEEP volunteers take to the beaches, river banks, and seafloor to help remove debris that would otherwise pollute our oceans. The cleanups are organized at each location by a dedicated local coordinator or beach captain. To volunteer for the 2009 event, organize your own cleanup, or to learn more about COASTSWEEP, see the following links:
If you have additional questions, contact COASTSWEEP Coordinators, Kristin Uiterwyk or Dennis Leigh at: