Sandy Hook, NJ—Clean Ocean Action (COA) invites citizens and organizations to participate in the 26^th Annual Spring Beach Seeps on Saturday, April 30^th at 69 sites along the New Jersey Coast.  The Beach Sweeps begin at 9a.m. and end at 12:30p.m., rain or shine. 

Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps is one of the longest running cleanup programs in the nation and, after 25 years of sweeping success, has resulted in the removal nearly 4.5 million pieces of trash.  More importantly, more than 83,000 citizens, the small and the tall, have been educated about the harmful effects of litter and are motivated to make a difference.  “The Beach Sweeps are an amazing opportunity for citizens and visitors to give back to their local marine environment,” said Tavia Danch, Clean Ocean Action’s Pollution Prevention Coordinator. 

The Beach Sweeps is much more than picking up trash.  Volunteers are also given data cards to record the quantity and types of debris they find.  The information collected at the Sweeps helps identify pollution problems, aids legislators in enacting laws to protect our marine environment, and informs local and international efforts to combat marine pollution. 

Clean Ocean Action encourages participation from volunteers of all ages, individually or from businesses, families and organizations.  Groups of 10 or more are requested to pre-register by calling (732) 872-0111, or by registering online at www.cleanoceanaction.org.  Pre-registration for individuals or groups less than 10 is not required.  Volunteers should bring gloves, dress for the weather, apply sunscreen, and wear closed-toed, hard-soled shoes.