Beach Sweeps - Introduction

Welcome to the Beach Sweeps website! This site is a reference for all those who, like you, want to do their part for the environment by participating in or organizing a beach clean-up activity. It provides tools to help you make your clean-up a success. Information is added regularly to keep you up to date on everything that's going on in this regard in the Maritime Provinces. Please use the side menu to receive detailed information about the Beach Sweeps program and its content.

The Challenge

Atlantic Canadians have an inseparable connection with the ocean. It is part of our heritage and our history. We depend on the ocean to secure a source of revenue, to transport our goods, to gain a sense of peace and connection with our environment. Few places on earth can rival the splendour of our beaches and coastal landscapes.

We have long believed that the sea could absorb our sewage and garbage indefinitely. Today, we see that this is not the case. We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful coastal areas of North America, and it is important we take care of it.

Are you ready to take action?

Become a steward of your local aquatic environment. The "Beach Sweeps" information kit was prepared in order to meet the needs of those concerned about the extent of marine debris and who want to become actively involved by cleaning their local shores and beaches.

Remember, your beach sweep doesn't have to occur along an ocean coast - it can also be the clean-up of a lakeshore, a riverbank, or even a community pond. Because waters from these sources flow into the ocean, it is equally important that they too, be cleaned up!

A Beach Sweep in your community will help to:

• Engage citizens in community involvement.
• Improve the natural environment.
• Raise public awareness on the extent and impacts of debris.
• Collect data for future studies to help reduce the debris at their source.
• Encourage people to have more respect for the environment.
• Help individuals and groups organize a safe, educational and fun activity.
• Join other Canadians - your participation makes a difference.

Good luck!