Marine Pollution and Plastics

Volunteers clean up the West End of Jones Beach Photo Credit: Lillian Simons

Marine pollution is quite the ubiquitous problem to solve. Over 6 billion metric tons of plastic pollute our world’s oceans, according to a 2017 study from University of Santa Barbara. The United Nations reported in 2021, that by 2060, the number of plastics we produce per year is expected to triple. Many of them being single use. Hard plastic does not easily biodegrade in the natural environment; instead breaking down into microscopic pieces. These microplastics are consumed by every animal on earth, including humans, shorebirds, and fish. An article published in Science reviewed 20 years of microplastics research. They found that consuming microplastics can cause adverse health effects to the human brain, gut, and other organs. Plastics have been recognized as a cause of death for many endangered species of shorebirds and marine mammals. How can you help?

Join the over 486,000 volunteers who helped all over the world clean up our shores, as recorded by the Ocean Conservancy. Beach cleanups happen every weekend in many locations in the New York Metro Area, including here at Jones Beach. The Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center hosts multiple beach cleanups over the summer months that are open to volunteers of all ages. These cleanups will be posted on our website: jonesbeachenc.org. Beach cleanups can take place during the morning or afternoon, hot or cold, rain or shine. Make sure to wear the proper clothing and footwear for the weather and to wear sunscreen (Always! Even on cool, cloudy days). Happy cleaning!