In the first six months of 2019, the Newport Chapter has engaged 1,000 volunteers in removing more than 4,500 pounds of debris from local beaches! This impressive effort has been lead by the Chapter Chair and Beach Cleanup Coordinator Scott Rosin. Scott, an avid surfer, activist, author, forester, and more, has dedicated 25 weekends (and some weekdays) to removing harmful tiny pieces of plastic from the beach.
Scott Rosin, Chair and Beach Cleanup Coordinator. Photo by Paul Haeder.
Scott focuses on the small stuff – tiny pieces of plastic that most folks don't even notice on the beach. He uses screens to filter these plastics from the sand. Some screens (like the one above) were designed and built by Scott while others (like in the photo below) were purchased with combined funds from Mountain Rose Herbs and Sea Turtles Forever.
Photo by Paul Haeder
Volunteers who have overcome their "trash blindness" (an inability to notice tiny pieces of plastic) have started bringing their own filtration devices to beach cleanups.
Photo by Charles Mitchell
Photo by Charles Mitchell
This effort would not be a success without Scott's leadership and the dedicated volunteers who show up rain or shine to clean the beach.
Most of the cleanups have occurred at Otter Rock, home to Oregon's smallest (but still mighty) Marine Reserve. Though the waters are protected from development and taking of living resources, they are still susceptible to pollution such as marine debris and excess nutrients. Luckily, the Newport Chapter focuses a lot of effort on protecting and understanding this special place.
If you're interested in joining the effort, email beachcleanups@newport.surfrider.org.