OCEAN ACTION: Ocean Conservancy's Coastal Cleanups

MISSION: Fighting for the health of coastlines and waterways worldwide by removing trash and encouraging others to do their part.

HQ: Washington, D.C.

YEAR STARTED: 1972

CONTACT: cleanup@oceanconservancy.org

PROJECT: Ocean Conservancy partners with Project AWARE to get divers involved in removing marine debris. September 17, 2016, marks the official International Coastal Cleanup Day, but events continue year-round.

1. ATTEND AN EVENT
Coastal cleanups give you an awesome reason to hit your favorite scuba spot in any season. Not only are events happening around the world September 17, but ICC cleanups also continue throughout the year. Find coastal trash collections near you at oceanconservancy.org/our-work/international-coastal-cleanup. If you’re looking to get involved underwater, diver-specific events can be found through projectaware.org.

2. THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT
By using the free Clean Swell app, you can record items of trash you’ve picked up on dive trips from anywhere in the world. The information you provide uploads directly to Ocean Conservancy’s global database. Through Clean Swell, you can track the amount of debris you’ve removed from our oceans over time and share how you’re helping out on Facebook and Twitter. The app is available for Apple and Android.

3. PLAN A CLEANUP
Gather up your local community and plan a day — or a dive — for a good cause. Both the Ocean Conservancy and Project AWARE offer free kits to help you host your own event for family and friends, complete with tips about what gear you’ll need, how to keep everyone safe, and ways to promote your cleanup. Bring International Coastal Cleanup Day to your community September 17, and keep up the momentum with events later in the year.