Clean Ocean Action (COA) is a

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

that works to protect the marine water quality in the

New York Bight The New York Bight is the geological identification applied to a roughly triangular indentation, regarded as a bight, along the Atlantic coast of the United States that extends northeasterly from Cape May Inlet in New Jersey to Montauk Point on ...

through extensive scientific analysis, public education, and resident activity endeavors as their core duty.U.S. Congress. “TRIBUTE TO CLEAN OCEAN ACTION. Congressional Record Daily Edition.” 2006. It was formed in 1984 by a wide coalition of environmentally conscious businesses, groups, and organizations.

History

New Jersey's Shore was filled with a large amount of trash that resulted in the closing of their beaches and being known as one of the largest ocean-dumping sites in 1984. After several concerns took place regarding the rise of trash on the site, Clean Action Ocean was established to help educate, advocate, and take action on cleaning along the coast to restore it to its natural state.U.S. Congress. "In Honor of Clean Ocean Action. Congressional Record Daily Edition.” 2009. Since then, the Clean Ocean Action has shut down 8 ocean-dumping sites and continued to support the Clean Ocean Zone policy and the BEACH Act. During Clean Ocean Action's clean-up activities, the organization collects data to understand and identify the cause of harm to the environment by gathering littered trashes. Their research is displayed to federal and state programs in order to uphold heavier enforcement on protecting the ocean.

Objectives

The Clean Ocean Action's objective is to prevent any harm that would potentially damage the debased water nature near the shores of New Jersey. The organization advocates for the protection of marine wildlife, clean beaches, and the preservation of all

natural resource Natural resources are resources that are drawn from nature and used with few modifications. This includes the sources of valued characteristics such as commercial and industrial use, aesthetic value, scientific interest and cultural value. ...

s that would harm the environment by establishing several campaigns, programs, interactive events, active rallies, and teachings. The Executive Director, Cindy Zipf, suggests that citizens should practice utilizing reusable items, recycling, avoid littering, and participating in local clean-ups. These actions reduces the amount of pollution in the ocean and reduces the risk of endangering marine wildlife. Clean Ocean Action takes additional action by persuading public authorities to ensure the safety of the beaches and marine wildlife. Clean Ocean Action influences many citizens, from any age and background, to contribute to beach clean-ups and promotes the conservation of

Volunteer

Volunteers for Clean Ocean Action clean beaches with the goal of creating a clean environment and saving marine wildlife from danger. Volunteers consists of students, families, business, other

non-profit organizations A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

, and more. Children under the age of 12 are able to volunteer as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Millions of pieces of harmful debris has been removed from beaches and waterways by the volunteers.

Programs

There are several programs that Clean Ocean Action organizers to educate citizens on the system of the environment and to take action. This includes the Clean Ocean Action's "Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders" (SEAL) program conducts pieces of training where students will brainstorm on how to create solutions through advocacy and campaigns on environmental studies. The organizations also organizes annual "beach sweeps" where volunteers gather at

Raritan Bay Raritan Bay is a bay located at the southern portion of Lower New York Bay between the U.S. states of New York and New Jersey and is part of the New York Bight. The bay is bounded on the northwest by New York's Staten Island, on the west by Per ...

where they clean the beaches, waterways, and underwater sites as they move along towards the

Delaware Bay Delaware Bay is the estuary outlet of the Delaware River on the northeast seaboard of the United States. It is approximately in area, the bay's freshwater mixes for many miles with the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. The bay is bordered inland ...

. Additionally, Clean Ocean Action's Student Summit program allows middle schoolers to study about marine wildlife and the environment through several hands-on experience activities. The Clean Ocean Action Presentations teaches students about the issues of

ocean pollution Marine pollution occurs when substances used or spread by humans, such as industrial, agricultural and residential waste, particles, noise, excess carbon dioxide or invasive organisms enter the ocean and cause harmful effects there. The major ...

that arises in the world today. Lastly, the Clean Ocean Action Education Ambassador Program allows individuals with presentation skills to administer topics on ocean pollution for various communities.

References

{{Reflist Environmental organizations based in New York (state) Environmental organizations based in New Jersey Environmental protection