FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 12, 2002
Contact:
Karen Saavedra
305/661-6160 – office
Email – [email protected]
(Miami) On Saturday, September 21, 2002, the Ocean Conservancy is introducing the Ocean Wilderness Challenge in conjunction with its 16th Annual International Coastal Cleanup. The Challenge is to unite environmentally conscious people in an effort to urge federal, state and other governmental bodies to commit to establishing at least 5% of the United States’ ocean territory as “WILDERNESS.” The concept is to recreate a Yellowstone Park – only underwater – protecting Ariel and Flounder, just like Yogi and Booboo.
This wouldn’t be the first time that Coastal Cleanup was used to make a political statement for the Planet’s vast liquid resource. Thirteen years ago, Roger McManus, then President of the Ocean Conservancy’s predecessor – Center for Marine Conservation – testified before Congress citing the data collected from the first two Coastal Cleanups in support of the adoption of MARPOL Annex V – the International Treaty banning the dumping of plastics at sea. His testimony helped convince Congress to adopt MARPOL Annex V and now the United States is part of this historic International Treaty.
The environmentally conscious are invited to join other volunteers on Saturday, September 21, 2002 to help span out over Miami-Dade’s river and sea coasts, clean up the marine debris and then sign up in support of the Ocean Wilderness Challenge.
Pre-registration is available on the web, see http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/events.htm, and community service hours are authorized.
WHAT: The Miami-Dade County chapter of the annual Florida Coastal Cleanup.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 2002 – from 9:00am until 12:00noon.
WHERE: Any of 12 Miami-Dade locations.
WHY: To support the Wilderness Challenge and collect coastal debris for research and pollution prevention initiatives.
