Take MAR's International Coastal Cleanup: Battling Waste at Egmont and Shell Key
On Saturday, Take MAR was proud to host a shoreline cleanup at two locations: Egmont Key and Shell Key Preserve, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup. We are incredibly grateful to our amazing volunteers, who dedicated their time to help protect these precious wildlife areas. Their hard work has made a significant difference, and we couldn’t have done it without them!
Our Cleanup Efforts
With the help of our partners at Hubbard's Marina and their Hubbard's Ferry, we were able to ferry around 50 volunteers to the islands. Pinellas County and Fort De Soto Park also generously waived parking fees and sent a park ranger to greet our group and assist with trash disposal after the clean up!
At Egmont Key, volunteers collected 54 pounds of trash, with the majority consisting of microplastics and foam fragments. Plastic bottle caps were one of the most commonly found items, alongside an unusual collection of single shoes, including three individual shoes and one complete pair.
At Shell Key Preserve, volunteers pulled an astounding 255 pounds of debris, including an entire boat seat! Plastic bottle caps once again dominated the trash collected here. The captains and rangers thanked our volunteers, as it was clear that these efforts were urgently needed.
Overall, we tallied and counted each piece of trash collected to submit data to Ocean Conservancy, contributing to their global report. This report compiles data from coastlines around the world to track pollution trends, raise awareness, and help create policies that tackle marine debris.
About the Locations
Egmont Key
A secluded barrier island located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Egmont Key is home to a historic lighthouse, the ruins of a 19th-century fort, and a wildlife refuge that serves as a sanctuary for endangered species, including nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Its remote location and limited access make it especially vulnerable to debris washed ashore by tides.
Shell Key Preserve
Just south of Pass-a-Grille, Shell Key is a barrier island known for its pristine beaches and clear waters. It’s part of an 1,800-acre preserve and is a critical nesting area for seabirds, as well as a popular spot for boaters and kayakers. Like Egmont Key, it’s vital to the local ecosystem and a haven for wildlife, but it faces constant threats from pollution.
What is the International Coastal Cleanup?
The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is a global effort to remove trash from waterways and shorelines. Every year, millions of volunteers participate in cleanups across the world, documenting the trash they collect to help track global pollution trends.
This year, Take MAR joined this effort by collecting and documenting trash at both Egmont Key and Shell Key Preserve. Each piece of debris, from microplastics to larger items, like the boat seat, was counted and reported as part of the global ICC database. This data will contribute to a comprehensive report that helps guide future efforts to combat marine debris and protect our coastlines.
The Impact of Plastic Waste
One of the most concerning finds during our cleanup was the overwhelming presence of plastic debris, especially microplastics and bottle caps. These small pieces pose a major threat to wildlife, as they can be ingested by birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, causing serious health issues or even death. Preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Egmont and Shell Keys requires reducing plastic pollution and keeping our oceans and shorelines clean.
Tips for Reducing Plastic Waste:
Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable water bottles, bags, and containers to minimize plastic waste.
Recycle Properly: Ensure plastic waste is recycled responsibly, especially small items like bottle caps, which are often overlooked.
Join Cleanups: Volunteer with local organizations, or participate in global initiatives like the International Coastal Cleanup.
Support Plastic-Free Policies: Advocate for bans on single-use plastics, particularly in coastal areas, to protect marine life and ecosystems.
Join Us for Our Next Impact Day!
Take MAR is excited to announce our next Egmont Key Impact Day on October 19th! To participate, you’ll need to become a member of the Egmont Key Alliance, which supports the ongoing preservation of this beautiful island. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details—together, we can make a difference!
