By Gail Woon, EARTHCARE
Freeport, Bahamas - Early on Saturday morning, September 25th, primary and secondary students from five different institutions on Grand Bahama Island gathered to assist the Zone Captains, Gail Woon and Cecilia Bodie with the Xanadu Beach International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day (ICC) 2010.
Hugh W. Campbell Primary School, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School, Sunland Baptist Academy, Bishop Michael Eldon School, Grand Bahama Catholic High School, EARTHCARE and the Bahamas National Trust participated in the Xanadu Beach ICC Day.
A grand total of 300 pounds of marine debris was collected, recorded and bagged for collection by Sanitation Services for the Xanadu Beach zone. Past participants noted that the beach was cleaner this year than in prior years. Most of the marine debris found was debris from fast food, beach-goers, sports/games, celebrations and litter from streets. These items included paper and plastic bags; beverage bottles, cans, caps and lids; cups, plates, forks, knives, spoons, food wrappers/containers, straws, stirrers. Students also found clothing.
Debris from Dumping activities included building materials, car parts, batteries and tires. Personal Hygiene/Medical Marine Debris included condoms, diapers, and tampons/ tampon applicators.
Debris from recreational/commercial fishing and boat/vessel operations included bleach/cleaner bottles, fishing line, plastic sheeting/tarps, rope, crates, light sticks, fishing nets, light bulbs, oil lube bottles and strapping bands. Smoking related Marine Debris consisted mainly of cigarettes, cigarette filters, cigarette lighters, cigar tips and tobacco packaging wrappers.
Students noted that debris items of local concern included a car bumper, clothing, aluminum, wires, various forms of plastic and cardboard. The students filled out the data cards which will be returned to The Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C. where the information will be compiled into a report of the state of marine debris throughout the entire globe. Grand Bahama Island has been participating with The Ocean Conservancy through the Ministry of Tourism for many years and thanks to this year’s many corporate sponsors students received T shirts and refreshments for their hard work. Cestina Nixon and her team from the Ministry of Tourism are to be commended for their excellent coordination of this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. The hours of planning ahead all came together for a very successful day.
Students participating from Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School included: Nathan Hield, Nekito Curry, Ambernique Munroe, Gabrielle Edwards, Arianna Kelly, Cyrah Newton, Christian Hepburn, Tavashanique Nottage, Tawonyah Brown, Gabrielle Joseph, Dante Robinson, Javel Malcolm, Kiara Williams, Stephanique Munroe, Allan Anthony, Shevano Munroe, Judea Williams, Jamir Pinder, Travonia Blatch, Asha Williams, Avery Sargent, Kimara Seymour and Kimisha Seymour. Staff included: Shimoon Cambridge, Patrick Laing, Noella Anderson, Cecile Salonga and Wannea Roxbury.
Students from Bishop Michael Eldon School included Sarah Gibbs and Candice Woon. Brandi Maynard represented Sunland Baptist Academy. Meghan Dareus hailed from Grand Bahama Catholic High School. EARTHCARE Vice President, Yasmin Popescu and her husband, Christian also participated
