MAKING A DIFFERENCE- INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP 2009

Saturday September 19, 2009, marked the worldwide recognition of International Coastal Cleanup Day, a day which seeks to rid oceans and coastlines across the globe of garbage and debris. The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) with the aid of a number of groups over a two-day period were able to remove just over 120 bags of trash from a number of beaches.

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) in Grand Turk was assisted by the Ona Glinton Primary School, Scotia Bank, the Rotaract Club and local resident Jackie Girotti. In South Caicos the School for Field Studies gave a hand, while efforts in Provo were supported by the Best Institute, Richmond Hill Preparatory and Philipino Volunteers in TCI" headed by group president Ms. Jenny Potente. In addition, with the help of dive operators and their divers underwater trash was removed from dive sites. Items collected ranged from beer cans, glass and plastic bottles, diapers, clothing, medical waste, food containers, roofing material and other remnants of Hurricane Ike, to larger items such as mattresses and even a used cash register.

A few disturbing discoveries were also made along some beaches where it was found that individuals were using sections for the disposal of human waste or their daily personal trash. Such findings are a painful reminder of how little some persons seem to value the environment as much of the trash removed is not being washed up from the sea as is typical of coastal garbage. Instead, it is clear that many persons are using beaches as garbage disposal sites.

The DECR would like to take every opportunity to remind the general public that under the Coastal Protection Ordinance, it is an offence to dispose of trash on any beach and any such act is subject to a fine and or conviction. With increased patrols along our beaches, the department will be steadfast in its endeavors to charge those guilty of these offences. Researchers continue to make alarming discoveries about trash that makes its way into our oceans. A recent study found that as plastics break down in the open ocean they can reach the size of plankton which are the tiny (and sometimes microscopic) plants and animals which serve as a primary food source in the ocean and play a pivotal role in climate control. It was determined that in some instances there is 80% more plastic floating around in the water than real plankton! It is therefore important to prevent garbage such as plastics from entering the sea.

Overall, International Coastal Cleanup Day 2009 was a success. Deputy Director, DECR Jewel Batchasingh stated: “We are pleased with the tremendous effort of corporate groups, schools and other organizations that took part and would like to publicly thank them. It is hoped that with the continued assistance of the public, efforts can be ongoing to rid our beaches and coastlines of unsightly garbage and keep the Turks and Caicos Islands - Beautiful by Nature.” END