A walk along any but the most pristine beach will quickly reveal an astonishing array of manmade products. Coastal and estuarine beaches are natural accumulation areas for both ocean and land-based debris. Nearshore waves tend to push marine litter landward where it becomes stranded as high tide recedes. Beaches are also popular recreation areas and users often leave their trash behind. Beaches, therefore, are ideal places to concentrate cleanup efforts.
Citizens generally feel strongly about keeping their public beaches attractive and free of litter.
As a result, a well-publicized cleanup drive can often attract large numbers of citizen volunteers. Cleanups serve three major functions. First, they reduce the amount of litter on the beaches in an immediate and visible wayan aspect most gratifying to the volunteers. Second, with careful planning, volunteers can document the types, quantities, and possible sources of beach debris. Third, the cleanup teaches the public about the prob lems of marine debris and how citizens can help.