Biscayne National Park Paddle Cleanup | International Coastal Cleanup 2020

Join us for one of our upcoming cleanups as we participate in this year's International Coastal Cleanup 2020. Saturday, Sept 19th and Sept 26th. 

These will be paddlecraft-based (socially-distanced) cleanups with paddle craft vessels provided by Biscayne National Park. 

Biscayne will also provide pfds, paddles, pickers, and trash bags.  Due to COVID concerns, we ask individuals to bring their own gloves. 

Community Service hours also provided

Volunteers should:

• Expect to get wet (up to waist deep) as some wading on unstable ground or water may be necessary to collect garbage.  
• Have a basic understanding of paddlecraft operation to include forward motion, stopping, turning, balance.  An orientation will be provided.  
• Wear clothing that can get wet, as well as protect you from the sun.  
• Bring enough water for the day in a reusable container. Due to covid concerns, we will not be providing water for refills.  
• Insect repellent, sunscreen and sun protection (sunglasses, lightweight long sleeve clothing, and hat) are recommended.
• Volunteers must check-in and sign waivers before beginning. An online waiver will be sent out in advance and paper waivers on the day-of the event. 
• **Minimum age is 18 to participate**
• Understand that this event is weather dependent.  All participants will be informed of an event cancellation or change as soon as possible but please know that we may make not the call to cancel up until the very last minute. If we cannot get out on paddlecraft, we may be able to access some other areas in need of cleaning by walking or driving/walking.  

Upon return to the dock, we will unload the debris, take photos, make sure that data is recorded, and dispose of the debris.

About the International Coastal Cleanup:

Scientists estimate that more than 17 billion pounds of plastic enter our ocean every year threatening marine life from corals polyps to sharks, the health of people, and local economies 

Over the past 35 years, Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup has brought together nearly 13 million people from over 150 countries to collect nearly 250 million pounds of trash along our coastlines and waterways.

Every year during Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, volunteers comb lakes, rivers, and beaches around the world for trash picking up everything imaginable along the world’s shorelines: cigarette butts, food wrappers, abandoned fishing gear and even automobiles and kitchen appliances.

By volunteering at ICC, you will be actively participating in a global citizen science project, not only by removing marine debris but by also cataloging and tallying what you find using the Ocean Conservancy’s data collection cards or Clean Swell app. The resulting item-by-item, location-by-location Ocean Trash Index that Ocean Conservancy compiles each year provides the only global snapshot of the marine debris littering coasts and waterways around the world.

To be placed on the cleanup waiting list, please contact Ana Zangroniz at: [email protected]