For 30 years now Save Our Shores has been doing beach cleanups yet the problem of marine debris doesn't seem to be getting any better.  In fact, with the increases in our "disposable lifestyles" the problem only seems to be getting worse. 

In 2008, SOS has decided to take a new approach to tackling marine debris. With funding from the Coastal Conservancy SOS is launching our new Watershed Assessment Program.  That’s right, SOS is moving inland! And with 60-80% of all marine debris coming from land based sources, we can't think of a better way to get at the root of the marine debris problem.  The idea is really very simple...

SOS will use a community based approach to cleanup rivers and simultaneously inventory what types of debris are most widespread.  We will also be looking for any pollution hot spots so that we can do targeted education and outreach about the marine debris problem.  Lastly, we'll be working to implement measures to prevent marine debris in the future.

Some of the program highlights include:

• Monthly river cleanups through out Santa Cruz County; including the Pajaro and San Lorenzo Rivers and Aptos Creek.
• A new marine debris data collection system that is easier for volunteers to use; we'll also be working with the California Coastal Commission to create standardized marine debris data collection efforts across the state so that we can begin to measure the baseline of how much debris is out there.
• High School partnerships; SOS will work with three high schools (Santa Cruz High, Aptos High and Watsonville Community School) to educate students about the waste stream in our county, to remove debris from their local watersheds, collect data, and help us synthesize what we find. These energetic students will then design and implement outreach campaigns to educate their community on the most common types of debris found and help their community reduce ocean bound debris.
• A survey of garbage and recycling receptacles throughout Santa Cruz County, with a recommendation for the areas that need more recepticals or trash collection services.
• Partnerships with local businesses and government to ban the most offensive marine debris materials from being used in our community.

To find out how you can get involved please contact Aleah at programs@saveourshores.org