Last Wednesday, the 8th of June marked the global celebration of World Ocean Day, an initiative that highlights the important role the ocean plays in our lives.
Over 400 volunteers collected 2.3 tonnes of litter at over 30 clean-up events held both on land and by the Cork coast to prevent litter pollution at the source to ensure it does not end up in the ocean.
This year, Irish environmental charity Clean Coasts joined forces with National Spring Clean for the second year running to provide volunteers and communities in Cork with free clean up kits to host a clean-up in honour of World Ocean Day.
Statistics have shown that the number one cause of marine litter is litter dropped in towns and cities and getting involved in World Ocean Day was a great way for residents of non-coastal counties to help prevent litter entering our waterways by tackling the problem at the source.
Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager said:
"World Ocean Day is a great opportunity for individuals, groups and communities to take action for Ocean Health and lend their voice of support to actions that call for more protection of our Ocean. The amazing efforts shown on and around World Ocean Day, as well as the work of Clean Coasts volunterrs all year round, are incredibly inspiring and provide a great deal of hope for the future of the worlds Ocean."
