Clean Ocean Action Inc.

Overview

Clean Ocean Action Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting marine water quality, primarily in the New York Bight area. Established in 1984 by a coalition of businesses, community groups, and environmental organizations, Clean Ocean Action relies on science, law, research, education, and citizen action to advocate for ocean conservation.

Mission and Objectives

The organization's mission is to improve the degraded water quality of marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast. Clean Ocean Action works towards several key objectives, including improving public health at swimming beaches, reducing plastics and litter, protecting coasts from oil and gas drilling, establishing a Clean Ocean Zone, and reducing toxins in waterways.

Activities and Programs

• Beach Sweeps: Clean Ocean Action organizes one of the longest-running beach cleanups in the world. The program started in 1985 and has expanded to include rivers, lakes, and streams. Over the years, thousands of volunteers have participated, collecting millions of pieces of debris.
• Education and Advocacy: The organization conducts educational programs like the "Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders" (SEAL) program and hosts student summits to engage youth in environmental issues. It also advocates for policies that protect marine wildlife and water quality.
• Storm Drain Stenciling Program: This program was launched to educate the public about stormwater runoff and its impact on water bodies. It involves stenciling messages near storm drains to raise awareness.
• Corporate Beach Sweeps: Clean Ocean Action offers corporate events that combine team-building activities with beach cleanups, promoting both environmental stewardship and employee engagement.

Achievements

Clean Ocean Action has achieved significant successes, including the closure of eight ocean-dumping sites and the advancement of policies like the BEACH Act. The organization has also played a crucial role in ensuring that the New Jersey and New York coast is safe from offshore oil and gas drilling through tireless advocacy efforts.

Structure

As a broad-based coalition, Clean Ocean Action includes over 125 member groups from various sectors, such as boating, conservation, and fishing. The coalition works under the guidance of a Board of Trustees to address pollution issues through research, policy formulation, and coordinated action.

Legacy

After 40 years of operation, Clean Ocean Action continues to be a leading voice in ocean conservation, leveraging citizen action and advocacy to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable environmental practices.