Saturday, April 19, 2014

2014 International Sea Turtle Symposium--New Orleans

Hello KICers!

I just returned from the International Sea Turtle Symposium in New Orleans.  I was told that 72 countries were represented at this symposium.  Isn't that amazing?

As you know, we worked hard last year to collaborate with Ocean Conservancy in an effort to continue education about marine debris, litter and sea turtles.  I was so very excited to see the posters that Ocean Conservancy had displayed featuring WBSTP and YOU--WB Keep It Clean volunteers!  You are awesome! 

Other beaches have now committed to provide information to Ocean Conservancy as a result of our initial efforts.  In time, this data will perhaps lead to benefits for Wrightsville Beach and other beach communities.








This is Megan.  She won an award for her work in researching by- catch in the floundering industry.  She was among the first group of interns that I worked with at the Sea Turtle Hospital several years ago.  So proud of her.


This is Brie.  Another intern from the Sea Turtle Hospital.  She is volunteering at the symposium---so glad to see her again.
KIC volunteers at the Mighty Mississippi.  John, Michelle, Nancy, Sarah.

Turtle Momma!  Nawlins' style!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Anna's Beach Sweep

On Saturday, March 29th, beach warriors gathered to help Anna with her senior project.  Yes, it was rainy and yucky on the beach, but Anna made the decision to carry on with her project, and I am glad she did!  Yes, it was difficult to get motivated to go out in the weather, but a lot of people did just that to clean up our beach!  And just look at all the litter that was collected!


<image005.png><image006.png>Wrightsville Beach
Keep it Clean Data form
Date of walk:
 3/29
Number of Volunteers:
 26
Zone:
        

Item
Total #
Item
 Total #

MOST LIKELY TO FIND ITEMS




Cigarette Butts
=
 470
Beverage Bottles (Plastic)
=
 6


Food Wrappers (candy, chips, etc.)
=
 20
Beverage Bottles (Glass)
=
 6


Take Out/Away Containers (Plastic)
=
Na 
Beverage Cans
=
26 


Take Out/Away Containers (Foam)
=
 Na
Grocery Bags (Plastic)
=
 3


Bottle Caps (Plastic)
=
 77
Other Plastic Bags
=
 6


Bottle Caps (Metal)
=
 26
Paper Bags
=
 Na


Lids (Plastic)
=
 6
Cups & Plates (Paper)
=
 1


Straws/Stirrers
=
 15
Cups & Plates (Plastic)
=
 5


Forks, Knives, Spoons
=
 2
Cups & Plates (Foam)
=
 8




FISHING GEAR:


PACKAGING MATERIALS:




Fishing Buoys, Pots & Traps
=
 Na
6-Pack Holders
=
 Na


Fishing Net & Pieces
=
 Na
Other Plastic/Foam Packaging
=
 5


Fishing Line (1 yard/meter = 1 piece)
=
 10yard
Other Plastic Bottles (oil, bleach, etc.)
=


Rope (1 yard/meter = 1 piece)
=
 Na
Strapping Bands
=
 Na


Tobacco Packaging/Wrap
=
 5


OTHER TRASH:




Appliances (refrigerators, washers, etc.)
=
 Na
PERSONAL HYGIENE:




Balloons
=
 3
Condoms
=
 1


Cigar Tips
=
 8
Diapers
=
 1


Cigarette Lighters
=
Syringes
=
 Na


Construction Materials
=
 10
Tampons/Tampon Applicators
=
 1


Fireworks
=
 3


Tires
=
 1
ITEMS OF LOCAL CONCERN:




Clothing
=
 11


TINY TRASH LESS THAN 2.5CM:


Towels
=
 1


Foam Pieces
=
 2 lbs
Toys
=
 11


Glass Pieces
=
 2 lbs
 Cardboard 
=
 3


Plastic Pieces
=
 2 lbs
 Candle
=
 1




TRASH BAG SUMMARY

Bag Type?



Grocery
Kitchen (13 Gallon)
Large (30 Gallon)
Reusable
Other:


Number of Trash Bags Filled =

 3
 3
 9

 6 or 8








Anna will also be presenting her data at Fort Fisher Aquarium.   Thank you Anna for sharing such an important message.