COM 0942.143 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The debris ranges from the relatively harmless, although annoying and an eyesore, to items that annually result in the death of hundreds of thousands of seabirds and marine mammals caught in abandoned fishing lines and netting. A third of the items found came from smokers. The volunteers collected and catalogued nearly 2.3 million cigarette butts, filters and cigar tips. And they found 587,827 bags; more than 1.7 million food wrappers, containers, lids, cups, plants and eating utensils; and nearly 1.2 million bottles and beverage cans. Divers also scoured waters offshore, collecting about 160,000 pounds of debris from cigarette waste and food containers to more threatening items: abandoned fishing lines, plastic bags, rope, fishing nets and abandoned crab and lobster traps. DAMAGING ITEMS The International Coastal Cleanup also focused attention on the damage these items can do, said program sponsors. The volunteers came across 81 birds, 63 fish, 49 invertebrates, 30 mammals and 11 reptiles and one amphibian that all had become entangled in various debris, most often discarded fishing line, rope or plastic bags, according to the report. Among other items that entangle animals and birds were balloon ribbons and strings, building material, vehicle tires, wire, and beverage six-pack holders. In all, 57 percent of the trash was related to shoreline recreational activities, 33 percent from smoking-related activities, 6.3 percent from fishing or waterway activities, 2 percent from dumping and less than 1 percent from medical and personal hygiene activities, said the report. Advertiser Kauai correspondent Diana Leone contributed to this report. HAWAII CLEANUP In Hawai'i, the annual international cleanup in September is called "Get the Drift and Bag It" and is held on all four major islands. In 2006, Hawaii volunteers netted 39,913 cigarette butts, 2,305 pieces of rope, 10,955 food wrappers and more than 15,000 bottles and cans. This year's cleanup is Sept. 20. Information about volunteering is at www.getthedriftand.bagit.com and by:phone: O'ahu 753-3311, Maui 808- 877-2524, Hawai'i 808-961-8695, Kaua'i 808-651-3452.