FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (TCI-GIS)
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel: 649.946.2801
Web: www.tcgov.tc
2009 International Coastal Cleanup Day
GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Friday, September 11th, 2009 - Ever wonder what was the most abundant debris found in the world’s oceans and coastal waters? For 2008 a worldwide cleanup showed that cigarette butts, plastics and food wrappers/ containers were the top three items. These items along with a host of other garbage are not only unsightly, but pose a threat to marine organisms such as turtles and dolphins. These animals can often mistake the items for food and can be choked, poisoned or injured from being entangled by old bags, ropes and nets.
In light of the ever increasing garbage being dumped in the oceans, the Ocean Conservancy, a global environmental organization, has set aside one day (the third Saturday in September) of each year to help clean-up some of this garbage on a global scale. This day is known as International Coastal Cleanup Day, and takes place in partnership with organizations and individuals across the globe, and engages people to remove trash and debris from the world's beaches and waterways.
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The ocean covers more than two-thirds of our planet. It is home to 97 percent of life on Earth. It drives and moderates our climate. It creates the weather. It is the ultimate source of the water we drink and much of the air we breathe. It directly feeds millions of people. It also absorbs much of the air and water pollution generated by a world population approaching seven billion. But our ocean is sick, and our actions have made it so. We must recognize that the ocean is inextricably connected to us. When we allow trash and other pollution to get into the ocean, we directly affect its health and our own.
This year the cleanup is scheduled for September 19 2009, and The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) in its ongoing effort to keep the beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands clean and healthy, will be organizing or encouraging coastal cleanups across the islands.
The DECR encourages the general public to engage in their own personal cleanup campaigns in their communities or schools. We especially ask dive operators and fishermen where possible to use the opportunity to remove any underwater and floating debris that they may encounter while diving or fishing. If you do remove garbage please remember to place it in a secure bag or container and ensure that it is collected or disposed of properly in a receptacle or at the public site. If you or your organization would like to be a part of this cleanup, please contact the DECR office nearest you.
DECR Providenciales – 941-5122
DECR Grand Turk – 946 – 2801
DECR South Caicos – 946 – 3709
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