25th annual Coastal Cleanup set for Oct. 19

Last year, over 2,500 volunteers removed 55,000 pounds of marine debris

Working to keep our shores and marshes clear, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is helping organize the annual Mississippi Coastal Cleanup on Oct. 19.

If success is measured in longevity, this event can certainly boast of that. The 2013 Cleanup will be the 25th year in a row that DMR has conducted the program.

But the true measurement of its success is the support it receives from volunteers. In 2012, over 2,500 people worked to clean the mainland and barrier island beaches and waterways, as well as lakes, rivers, marshes, bayous and other estuary areas as far north as Interstate 10.

Collectively, they removed 55,000 pounds of trash.

The entire coast is targeted, with over 70 sites in Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties acting as bases. Volunteers are provided with trash bags, gloves, data cards and pencils.

Volunteers are asked to register by Oct. 7 by visiting the dedicated website at www.mscoastalcleanup.org.

To learn more about the program and see pictures and a video about the event, check the same website.