Year: 2016
Project(s):
Relevance
Litter is an issue that impairs the environment, stormwater infrastructure, tourism and industry along coastlines.
Response
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium extension specialist led and contributed to all aspects of the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program, which works to prevent and remove litter from the coastal environment through education, outreach, research and cleanup events. As part of the Coastal Cleanup Program, the MASGC extension specialist trained site captains at four trainings, managed volunteer registrations, led planning efforts, distributed supplies, analyzed volunteers’ litter data cards and prepared cleanup summary reports.
Results
In 2016, the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup event attracted 2,489 volunteers that contributed 7,467 volunteer hours and removed 14.1 tons of litter from coastal Mississippi beaches, waterways, wetlands and roads. The value of this volunteer effort exceeded $145,681.
Recap
The Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program, coordinated by a Sea Grant extension specialist, was responsible for removing over 14 tons of litter from the coastal environment and educating more than 2,500 volunteers and site captains about litter prevention. (2016)