Ocean Pines Marine debris clean-up
OCEAN PINES, Md. – Join Captain Jack Sparrow, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and the Ocean Pines community for the Fourth Annual Marine Debris Plunder on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will help clean up marine debris from local bays, beaches, and streets.
Both boaters and land-based volunteers are encouraged to join the cleanup effort. Gather collected debris and bring it to the Ocean Pines White Horse Park Boat Ramp for a weigh-in. Captain Jack Sparrow and his pirate crew will assist with the weigh-in and ensure proper disposal of the debris.
Preregistration is encouraged and can be completed online at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program website, www.mdcoastalbays.org, or by calling Sandi Smith at 410-213-2297, ext. 106.
Participants who bring their collected debris to the weigh-in will receive an event T-shirt, while supplies last.
The goal of this event is to engage the community in cleaning up our waterways and streets and to collect data on the debris. Participants will be asked to fill out data sheets, which will be used for an outreach campaign next year to remind visitors of the importance of keeping local waterways clean.
Boaters will receive specific instructions on identifying marine debris and avoiding live traps, as crabbing season is in effect. It is illegal to tamper with live traps.
Natural Resource Police will be present to answer any questions about what constitutes marine debris.
Boaters are encouraged to collect abandoned and derelict crab pots, which often become ghost pots that trap and kill marine life, including crabs, terrapins, otters, and fish.
