Many volunteers clean Western Strait beaches

April 22, 2021 1:30 am
Three volunteers from Oregon, Bob, Mark, and Randy, camped at Cape Alava and drove to Pillar Point to pick up marine debris.
Three volunteers from Oregon, Bob, Mark, and Randy, camped at Cape Alava and drove to Pillar Point to pick up marine debris.

By Nancy Messmer

Clallam Bay Sekiu Lions PR committee

On a sunny Saturday, April 17, 32 volunteers from far (Tigard, Oregon) and near (Sekiu, Clallam Bay, Forks, Port Angeles) assembled at the Clallam Bay Sekiu Visitor Center for bags, beach guidance, and encouragement. As part of the annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup organized by the Washington Clean Coast Alliance (aka CoastSavers), local partners Clallam Bay Sekiu Lions and Chamber of Commerce welcomed volunteers to clean beaches from Pillar Point to Bullman Beach.

As well as collecting marine debris for disposal, the groups separated some items for recycling. In addition, two groups of volunteers dumped their bags and bundles, sorted the debris into categories, and counted all that they found. This information is displayed on an interactive global map and data is used for marine debris prevention activities. Stay tuned for information in the future about the findings on Western Strait beaches.

Carol Schultz conducted the “Most Unusual Item” contest. Several volunteers brought in beach treasures, including a marble turned into flat sea glass, a glass bottle with a halo of mussels, a small American flag, a Michael Jackson “Bad” CD, interesting driftwood, and more.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who pick up marine debris and to all of the beach users who dispose of trash properly, helping to keep the ocean clean and healthy.

Molly Scofield, Port Angeles High School ASB President, and members of the Surfrider Environment Club, drove to Shipwreck Point, picked up this marine debris, and sorted, categorized, and counted all of it for reporting and future actions.

Molly Scofield, Port Angeles High School ASB President, and members of the Surfrider Environment Club, drove to Shipwreck Point, picked up this marine debris, and sorted, categorized, and counted all of it for reporting and future actions.

Local Clallam Bay teen volunteer, Riley Person, sorted, counted, and reported thousands of items of marine debris, collected by Pat Higgins and others.

Local Clallam Bay teen volunteer, Riley Person, sorted, counted, and reported thousands of items of marine debris, collected by Pat Higgins and others.

Port Angeles students sort, categorize, count, and report the marine debris they collected.

Port Angeles students sort, categorize, count, and report the marine debris they collected.

Lion Roy Morris adjusting marine debris load in the truck, for delivery to the dump. Submitted photos

Lion Roy Morris adjusting marine debris load in the truck, for delivery to the dump. Submitted photos