On behalf of:
MARYLAND COASTAL BAYS PROGRAM
8219 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, Maryland 21811
(410) 213-2297 – PHONE
(410) 213-2574 – FAX
Third Annual Marine Debris Plunder
Boaters and Land Lubbers alike are encouraged to join the Maryland Coastal Bays Program on Sunday, October 2, for the third annual Marine Debris Plunder to pick up debris that have been carelessly discarded in our bays, beaches, and streets, and bring their loot to the West Ocean City Boat Ramp for a weigh-in.
Captain Jack Sparrow along with his pirate crew will be on hand to assist with the weigh-in and will properly dispose the debris. Volunteers can start anytime as we ask that you pre-register for the event and pickup your supplies in advance, and then bring your loot to the weigh-in between noon and 4:00 p.m.
You can register for this event either online at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program website www.mdcoastalbays.org, or call Sandi at 410-213-2297, ext. 106 and register by phone. Registration is now open. There will be no registration at the event.
Thanks to a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the support of Worcester County, Sandpiper Energy, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Seagull Disposal, Bluewater Properties and Pure Lure. Supplies will be provided for those who preregister (while supplies last). Supply packets can be picked up at Pure Lure in the West Ocean City Harbor at a pre-arranged date.
When participants bring their loot to the weigh-in, the pirate crew will grab their trash and present them with an event t-shirt (while supplies last).
The intent of this event is to engage the community in picking up debris in our waterways and streets and bringing it to one location where it will be weighed and disposed of properly. All participants will be asked to fill out data sheets on the debris. This data will be used for an outreach campaign next year reminding our visitors the importance of keeping our waterways clean.
Boaters pursuing debris in the water will receive specific instructions as to what is marine debris and what is a live trap as crabbing season is in effect. It is illegal to tamper with any live traps. Low tide for this day is around 7:00 a.m.
The Natural Resource Police will be available in case participants have any questions as to what is marine debris, and what is not, in case something is unclear to a participant.
Boaters will be encouraged to pursue abandoned crab pots and derelict crab pots that have been clearly abandoned and are sitting in shallow water and marshes. Every year crabbers lose their pots to careless boaters who do not pay attention and run over crab pot floats. Once these floats are cut, the pot becomes untraceable until it washes into shallow water or on top of a marsh. Unfortunately, ghost pots continually re-bait as crabs crawl inside, eventually die, and new crabs arrive to eat those. These ghost pots also trap and kill pretty much anything that will try to climb in to retrieve a free meal, including terrapin, otter, and fish.
For event specifics, go to www.mdcoastalbays.org or contact [email protected].
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