The information collected via data cards during the recent clean-up of the Territory’s beaches will be used to raise awareness among the general public on waste and environmental issues and by students as part of their research assignment.

Several organisations collected trash from coastal areas to help improve the Territory’s beaches, coastal region and surrounding areas in observance of the 2015 International Coastal Clean-up activities hosted by the Conservation and Fisheries Department.

Fisheries Extension Officer and Coastal Clean-up Coordinator, Mrs. Jasmine Hodge-Bannis said the data collected will be analysed and compiled by the official sponsors Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in Washington, DC. She added that the information will also be made available for use by policy makers to develop solutions for problems caused by marine debris.

Mrs. Hodge-Bannis thanked residents and organisations who participated in the International Coastal Clean-up day and other coastal activities. She said persons can still participate as the department is hosting a Territory-wide clean-up from October 17 to 19 to remove the Sargassum Seaweed from the shoreline.

She added, “I would like to encourage residents to be better environmental stewards and keep our beaches, coastal areas, all waterways including ghuts clean, as we rely on our Territory’s waters for food and recreation.”

International Coastal Clean-up day participants included the Rotary family of the BVI, E-Campers, BVI Ports Authority staff, Department of Conservation and Fisheries staff, HLSCC Environmental Club, Nibbs Family and the BVI National Parks Trust staff.

Locations cleaned included Paraquita Bay, Brandywine Bay, Fisherman’s Dock, Baughers Bay, Humtum Ghut and Handsome Bay, Virgin Gorda.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour supports and promotes the International Coastal Clean-up initiative and is committed to protecting the Territory’s coastal environments and ocean life.