Tigertail Beach Volunteers Participate in International Coastal Cleanup

On Saturday September 17, volunteers gathered at Tigertail Beach to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup. An annual event started in 1986 in Texas, the coastal cleanup effort has grown across the U.S. and 150 countries, with 17 million volunteers collecting 348 million pounds of trash since its inception. The types of debris collected are recorded by the volunteers, and the Ocean Conservancy tabulates the results from across the world. Friends of Tigertail partners with Collier County and Keep Collier Beautiful to host the event each year, and several area beaches join the effort.

This year had both highs and lows. On the plus side, there were 58 volunteers, including 29 students, most from Marco Island Academy, two park rangers, representatives from Marco Island Public Works, Starbucks, Marco Island Noontime Rotary, BACRAC, and residents from Marco Island, Goodland, and Naples. 88 total pounds of trash were collected, more than the last few cleanup efforts. 115 plastic bottles, 56 glass bottles and 74 beverage cans were picked up. There were 175 small pieces of plastic found. Unfortunately, plastic breaks down to smaller and smaller pieces, which are then inadvertently ingested by fish and wildlife, causing harm to them and eventually potentially to humans eating fish.

While these numbers point to the success of the effort, it is sad to see the amount of bottles, plastic, and other debris carelessly left on the beach. So many citizens try to keep our beaches pristine - those that litter are disappointing.

The Friends of Tigertail organization hosts four beach cleanups annually, with the next scheduled for December 3rd, 2022. This environmentally focused group is always looking for new members and board members to help protect, preserve, and promote Tigertail beach. More information about them can be found at www.FriendsofTigertail.com or on their Facebook page.