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Stewards Cleaning Our Beaches
Project Metric
For many years, Sound Water Stewards have contributed a great number of volunteer hours in cleaning our Island County beaches of beach litter, from tiny pieces of plastic to large boat hulls. Our beaches are a critical biodiversity area, supporting numerous plants and animals. Many of these life forms cannot be seen with the naked eye, due to either their microscopic size or being buried in the sand. These organisms play an important role in nutrient recycling and seawater filtration, and keeping their habitat clean ensures their ability to provide their crucial roles.
Some beaches act as a nursery area for forage fish, or as nesting and feeding sites for birds and terrestrial wildlife. The simple act of removing items like plastic straws, one of the most common types of beach litter, prevents birds and marine life from mistaking them for food, choking them to death or clogging their intestines. Marine mammals like sea lions and seals also need a clean beach to rest, molt, breed, and give birth. Our efforts provide them a safe habitat and contribute to a healthy marine environment.
Besides being an enjoyable recreation area for all residents to enjoy, preferably litter-free, our beaches support numerous plants and animals. These benefits depend on safe and healthy coasts. Beach clean-up is essential in improving and protecting the ocean and coastal ecosystem. See the calendar of events and join in at one of our public beach clean-ups, usually in our State and County parks, and make a difference in keeping our County’s beaches safe and clean.