81 Cork coasts were cleaned over the weekend with over 1,200 volunteers coming together for 'The Big Beach Clean'.
Clean Coasts saw great support from Cork locals for the annual clean up, which removed 6.8 tonnes of litter from strands across the county.
The initiative is an annual call to action that runs as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), operated internationally by Ocean Conservancy and invites communities and volunteers around the country to remove litter from around the Irish coast after the end of the bathing season.
This year, a record number of over 500 clean-ups were organised by volunteers who removed over 63 tonnes of litter nationwide.
Ballycotton, Ardnahinch, Ballymona, Inchydoney, Garrettstown and Garryvoe were among the 81 Cork beaches to be cleaned.
Among Clean Coasts’ Big Beach Clean supporters this year there was TV start, creator and sea lover Adam King and his family, who joined Clean Coasts Youghal group. They removed four full bags of marine litter from Adam’s favourite beach. David King, Adam’s dad said:
“We had a great time at the Big Beach Clean in Youghal. The whole family took part and it was really enjoyable. Big credit to Áine, Gráinne & all at Youghal Clean Coasts group who really are the heroes!”
So far, data collected from the International Coastal Cleanup have informed policy in a number of areas, leading to laws banning the use of plastic grocery bags; prohibiting smoking-related litter; encouraging the use of reusable bags; prohibiting mass balloon releases; and prohibiting foam food and beverage takeaway containers.
Cully and Sully supported the initiative again this year. Cullen Allen (Cully) said:
“We were delighted with yet another amazing Big Beach Clean weekend. The Clean Coasts staff and volunteers were fantastic across the weekend, although we know many are out every weekend of the year. not just Big Beach Clean weekend. So Thank You all. This is one of our favourite initiatives across the year and it was so heartwarming to see the great turn out yet again for 2022.”
