Tigertail Beach welcomed 20 students and 33 adult volunteers who participated in the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 20. Initiated in 1986 by two women in Texas associated with the Ocean Conservancy, this annual event has grown to include coastal areas internationally. Volunteers collect and tabulate types of debris, compiling statistics about coastal trash worldwide, with the goal to decrease and eventually eliminate ocean pollution. Since its inception 39 years ago, this effort has supported 18 million volunteers collecting 380 million pounds of trash. In Collier County, several coastal locations participate, with the County and Keep Collier Beautiful providing supplies and organization. 

Hosted by Friends of Tigertail, volunteers retrieved 135 pounds of debris, with plastic and glass bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, and wood pieces of various sizes the most common items. Notably, there were fewer plastic straws and cigarette butts seen than in previous years, a testament to efforts to limit these items on beaches. Unfortunately, plastics of all types are a particular problem as they disintegrate into smaller particles, negatively affecting wildlife as well as humans.  

Friends of Tigertail appreciates the enthusiasm of the volunteers who work hard to keep the area clean for visitors and wildlife. At this event, participants climbed through the grass and mangroves and under boardwalks to uncover trash. Individuals, families, students, and vacationers worked together, and the area benefited from their efforts. The next Friends of Tigertail sponsored cleanup will be December 6. Visit the group’s Facebook page or website at www.FriendsofTigertail.com for more information.