Help keep marine life safe! On Saturday, June 16th, from 9:30am - noon, come on down to Alki Beach and do your part to keep the sea free of dangerous debris. We will meet at the Statue of Liberty Plaza (Alki Ave SW and 61st Ave SW) in West Seattle. RSVP is requested.

“Sentinels of the Sound” Beach Cleanup is co-sponsored by Seal Sitters MMSN, Sno-King Marine Mammal Response and SR3.

Before volunteers disperse to clean up the beach, there will be a brief talk on the devastating impact of trash and debris on marine life.

Did you know that an estimated 80% of marine debris originates from land? Or that 360 billion cigarette butts are discarded in the U.S. alone each year - all of them leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and waterways? At last year’s beach cleanup, volunteers picked up an estimated 9,000 butts from Alki Beach (and adjoining sidewalks and street) in just a few hours.

Did you know that derelict fishing gear and plastics injure and kill many thousands of marine mammals and seabirds annually? All of which can be prevented by careful - and proper - disposal.

For Seal Sitters, derelict fishing gear is a very up close and personal issue. Please visit our website to learn about seal pup Sandy and the Arroyos gray whale, both harmed by marine debris - and for more details about the cleanup.

We will have cleanup materials on hand, but if you have gloves and pickup sticks, please bring them. RSVP is requested.

Learn more about our dangerous waters on Seal Sitters’ website.

Tags: beach cleanup