Western Strait CoastSavers International Coastal Cleanup is gearing up for its annual event, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, along the shores of the Northwest Olympic Peninsula. Volunteers from around the region will converge at Clallam Bay Visitor Center to participate in the global effort to remove marine debris from our oceans and beaches.

The cleanup effort will span the coastline from Shipwreck Point to Pillar Point, covering significant beach locations, including Clallam Bay, Sekiu, Hoko River Mouth, Chito Beach, Shipwreck Point, and Pillar Point. Additional sites may be assigned at registration on the day of the event.

Registration for the event will take place at the Clallam Bay Visitor Center, located on Highway 112, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will be welcomed by site coordinators Roy Morris and Nancy Messmer, both representing the Clallam Bay Sekiu Lions Club. Volunteers will receive trash bags, recycling bags, and instructions upon signing in.

Participants will be assigned to specific beach sites with volunteer goals set as follows:

Shipwreck Point: 20 volunteers

Chito Beach: 5 volunteers

Hoko River Mouth: 5 volunteers

Visitor Center (Clallam Bay & Sekiu): 20 volunteers

Pillar Point: 10 volunteers

Roy Morris will also serve as the recycling coordinator, ensuring that recyclable materials are collected, sorted, and transported to Port Angeles for proper recycling. A display at the registration area will educate volunteers on what can be recycled, and green-flagged bags will be used to mark recyclable materials.

Marine Debris Reporting and Data Collection

Volunteers interested in contributing to global data collection efforts can participate in sorting, categorizing, and reporting the marine debris they collect. This data will be shared on an interactive global map through the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program, providing insights into the global scale of marine debris issues.

Event Logistics

Restroom facilities will be available at Clallam Bay Park for the duration of the event. Site coordinators will ensure that all supplies and signs are collected at the end of the day, and the total number of volunteers will be reported to Megan Juran, the Washington CoastSavers Coordinator.

Low tide is expected at 9:39 a.m. at 2.5 feet, while high tide will occur at 3:46 p.m. at 8.3 feet, providing optimal conditions for beach cleanups throughout the day.

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to join this environmental effort. This annual event is part of a worldwide initiative to reduce marine debris and protect ocean ecosystems, impacting the health of our oceans and coastal environments.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Roy Morris at 360-963-2442 or Nancy Messmer at 360-460-6991.