On June 8, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Visit Palm Beach, The Nature Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks Preserve, Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management, Beach Bucket Foundation, and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area hosted a cleanup to celebrate and draw attention to World Ocean Day, which is recognized on June 8 every year.
Approximately eight million tons of plastic enter the marine ecosystem impacting thousand species of marine life every year. More than 110 volunteers of all ages, worked together to remove more than 700 pounds of trash from the Atlantic shoreline and Intracoastal Waterway along Coral Cove Park in Tequesta, Fla., 200 pounds more than the previous year.
Volunteers walked, kayaked and used their paddleboards to collect trash, harmful debris, and other pollutants from the Coral Cove Park’s Atlantic shore and waterway. All cleanup supplies were provided by the Beach Bucket Foundation.
This event provided an opportunity to educate the community and reflect on the important role the overall marine environment has for the public health and the planet. It is the hope that others can be inspired to take these small steps towards long-term sustainability and protection of the marine ecosystem that supports and connects us all.
World Ocean Day supports collaborative conservation, working with its global network of youth and organizational leaders in approximately 140 countries, and providing free and customizable promotional and actionable resources. World Ocean Day is powered by the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council.
To learn more about this event and other volunteer opportunities to keep Palm Beach County-operated parks and beaches clean, visit
www.pbcparks.com.
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, celebrating 50 years of providing healthy, happy living to residents and visitors to Palm Beach County, is recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Created in 1951 under the direction of the County Engineers Office, reorganization in 1972 led to the separation of Parks and Engineering and so the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department was born. Discover healthy, happy living at
www.pbcparks.com.
Coordinated and promoted internationally by The Ocean Project since 2002, World Ocean Day is an annual celebration on 8 June as well as a call for ocean conservation action throughout the year. The United Nations started to officially recognize World Ocean Day starting in 2009. This celebration of our one shared ocean that connects us all brings together organizations and individuals from youth groups, schools, aquariums, zoos, museums, businesses, maritime and tourism industries, government agencies, recreational enthusiasts including divers, surfers, sailors, communities of faith and more.
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