Who's Trashing Our Oceans? Be a Data Detective!

1. Bait Containers/Packaging___________________________
Bleach/Cleaner Bottles______________________________
Buoys/Floats______________________________________
Crab/Lobster/Fish Traps_____________________________
Crates____________________________________________
Fishing Line________________________________________
Fishing Lures/Light Sticks____________________________
Fishing Nets_________________________________________
Light Bulbs/Tubes_____________________________________
Oil/Lube Bottles______________________________________
Pallets______________________________________________
Plastic Sheeting/Tarps_________________________________
Rope_______________________________________________
Strapping Bands______________________________________
OCEAN/WATERWAY ACTIVITIES
(Debris from recreational/commercial fishing and boat/vessel operations)
Cigarettes/Cigarette Filters___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Cigarette Lighters___________________________________
Cigar Tips_________________________________________
Tobacco Packaging/Wrappers_________________________
Please pick up all debris found on the beach. Record information on only the items listed below.
Keep a count of your items using tick marks and enter the item total in the box. Example: Beverage Cans____________8
SMOKING-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Appliances (refrigerators, washers, etc.)____________________
Batteries_____________________________________________
Building Materials_____________________________________
Cars/Car Parts_______________________________________
55-Gal. Drums________________________________________
Tires________________________________________________
DUMPING ACTIVITIES
© 2005 The Ocean Conservancy
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www.oceanconservancy.org
Bags______________________________________________
Balloons___________________________________________
Beverage Bottles (plastic) 2 liters or less_________________
__________________________________________________
Beverage Bottles (glass)______________________________
Beverage Cans______________________________________
Caps, Lids__________________________________________
Clothing, Shoes_____________________________________
SHORELINE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
(Debris from beach-goers, sports/games, festivals, litter from streets/storm drains, etc.)
Cups, Plates, Forks, Knives, Spoons_______________________
Food Wrappers/Containers_____________________________
____________________________________________________
Pull Tabs____________________________________________
6-Pack Holders_______________________________________
Shotgun Shells/Wadding_______________________________
Straws, Stirrers_______________________________________
Toys________________________________________________
Condoms__________________________________________
Diapers____________________________________________
Syringes___________________________________________
Tampons/Tampon Applicators_________________________
MEDICAL/PERSONAL HYGIENE
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
DEBRIS ITEMS OF LOCAL CONCERN
(Identify and count 3 other items found that concern you)
ITEMS COLLECTED
Human-made debris, trash and litter...
◆ Harms the environment & wildlife ◆ Causes communities to lose money
◆ Threatens human health & safety ◆ Looks bad!
Think about where all this debris comes from and how we can prevent it!
For Your Safety
1. Do not go near any large barrels or drums.
2. Be careful with sharp objects and syringes.
3. Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes.
4. Stay out of the dunes and natural areas.
5. Watch out for wildlife.
6. Don’t lift anything too heavy.
Thank you for being part of the International Coastal Cleanup today! Please take a moment to
review the information below to make sure your cleanup experience is safe and productive!
The Ocean Conservancy will analyze the data you collect today to determine what activities are
likely to be causing the debris in your area. For instance, a potato chip bag may indicate picnickers,
while a 1-quart oil bottle probably came from a boat, and a strapping band likely from a cargo ship.
The information on your data cards will be used to help citizens, community groups and schools,
municipalities, business and industry, and government agencies develop solutions for pollution
problems associated with coastal and water-borne debris. Filling out your data card as accurately
as possible will lead to better debris solutions for your community!
Debris Items
of Local Concern:
Debris not listed on the Data Card but
which may be prevalent at your location.
List and count up to 3 additional items
of debris that you are finding and that
are of particular concern to you. This
site-specific information can be used by
your local cleanup organizers to help
create solutions for your community’s
unique debris problems.
Cleanup Tips
◆ Collect data as a team, with one person recording items on the data
cards, while others collect and bag the trash.
◆ Bag ALL the debris you find on the beach and shoreline (above and
below the water), but record information only on the items specifically
listed on the data card.
◆ Use tick marks ( ) to keep count of your
items and enter the total in the box to the left of
each debris item.
◆ Use only numbers to record quantities. Do not
write words such as “Lots” or “Many.”
◆ Leave natural items like driftwood or seaweed on the
beach. Avoid stepping on dune plants and grass.
Who’s Trashing the Oceans and Waterways?
Be a Data Detective!
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This debris can be left by beachgoers
as well as disposed of improperly into
toilets and city streets. Because medical
and hygiene debris often enters the
waste stream through sewer systems,
its presence on the beach can indicate
the presence of other, unseen pollutants.
The littering of cigarette filters, cigar tips,
and tobacco product packaging is
common on land and sea.
Debris from beachgoers, picnics, sports
and games, festivals, as well as litter
washed from streets, parking lots, and
storm drains. Debris from recreational fishing and
boating; commercial fishing; cargo,
military, and cruise ships; and offshore
industries such as oil drilling.
Debris from legal and illegal dumping
of building materials or large
household items.
© 2005 The Ocean Conservancy
Smoking-Related
Activities
Ocean/Waterway
Activities:
Shoreline and
Recreational Activities:
Dumping Activities:
Human-made debris,
trash and litter...
◆ Harms the environment & wildlife
◆ Threatens human health & safety
◆ Causes communities to lose money
◆ Looks bad!
Think about where all this debris comes
from and how we can prevent it!
The Ocean Conservancy website:
www.oceanconservancy.org
International Coastal Cleanup email:
cleanup@oceanconservancyva.org
Medical/Personal
Hygiene
100% post-consumer recycled paper. Chlorine free.