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2013 REPORT

SSTT.. KKIITTTTSS

[2013 NATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP] [ST.KITTS SUMMARY REPORT]

ST. KITTS NATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP REPORT 2012

National Coastal Cleanup

Friday 27th September 2013

Prepared By

Sylvester Belle

Coastal Cleanup Coordinator

Hosted By

The Department of Physical Planning and Environment

Ministry of Sustainable Development

St. Kitts

Lead Sponsor

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OVERVIEW

The annual National Coastal Cleanup hosted by the Department of Physical Planning and Environment was convened on Friday 27th September 2013. As in past years the Department solicited the volunteer assistance from the High Schools and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College for the event.

Volunteers gather for the 2013 Cleanup This year’s event also benefitted from the active participation of volunteers from the Christophe Harbour Development Company, the primary sponsor of the event. As a matter of convenience, approximately 50 volunteers of the Ross University Green Initiative Club conducted cleanup along the Irish Town and Newtown shoreline on Saturday 28th September.

Based on general observation during the assessment of beaches prior to the cleanup, and the empirical data gathered from past and current cleanup events, coastal and marine debris continue to be a major environmental issue nationally. This report discusses and underscores the major public

and environmental health issues related to marine debris and provide the results obtained from the data gathered.

WHAT IS MARINE DEBRIS?

Marine debris is any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment (NOAA).

Typical type of debris found on beaches during cleanup

Marine debris is one of the most widespread pollution problems affecting the oceans and waterways worldwide. As the leading organization for combating marine debris, the Ocean Conservancy organizes the International Coastal Cleanup in September of each year. For the 2012 International Coastal Cleanup over 561,633 volunteers removed 10,149,988 pounds of trash from beaches around the world, covering 17,719 miles (ICC 2013 Report). For St. Kitts, in 2012 approximately 250 volunteers collected 2,718 pounds of debris from selected beaches and covering approximately 3 miles.

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DEBRIS-PRODUCING ACTIVITIES

The Ocean Conservancy has categorized marine debris into six major sources: Shoreline and recreational activities;

debris from fast food, beach-goers, sports and games, festival, litter washed from streets, parking lots and storm drains.

Ocean and waterway activities; debris from recreational or commercial fishing and boat or vessel operations and offshore activities.

Smoking related activities; cigarette butts, lighters, tobacco packaging materials etc.

Dumping activities; include old appliances, tires, discarded building materials, car parts and used containers.

Medical and personal hygiene: diapers, syringes etc.

Debris items of local concern. Debris items that might be of special concern specific to a local community, example Styrofoam material and other plastics.

IMPACTS OF MARINE DEBRIS

The impacts of marine debris have been well documented and typically include aesthetic or unsightly conditions on beaches and coastal waters, danger to public health and safety, entanglement of marine wildlife, habitat destruction and ecosystem alteration. For countries such as St. Kitts polluted beaches and contaminated coastal waters can have significant negative impact on economic activity.

LAWS GOVERNING THE MANAGEMENT OF

WASTE

NATIONAL

The Solid Waste Management Act, 2009 is the principle Act for the management of solid waste in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Litter Abatement Act provides for the prohibition on disposal of litter as well as for transportation and unreasonable accumulation of litter on premise or in public areas. Section VII (30) of the National Conservation and Environmental Protection Act, (NCEPA) prohibits persons from polluting the coastal zone by depositing sewage, solid waste, garage oil, or other waste in any place in the coastal zone’. REGIONAL

Under the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean, contracting parties are obligated to take appropriate measures to prevent, reduce or control pollution form activities such as dumping, land-based sources, ocean activities, ships, and airborne pollutants. Although not yet a signatory to the Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution Protocol, St. Kitts and Nevis are guided by the provisions outlined with regard to protection of the marine zones form land based pollution sources. It is envisaged that St. Kitts and Nevis will proceed to signing on to the LBS protocol within the near future. The St. Georges Declaration of Principles for Environmental Sustainability in the OECS makes provisions under Goal 3

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(Principle 10 – Prevent and control pollution and management of waste. INTERNATIONAL

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. Annex V of MARPOL prohibits ocean dumping of ship generated plastics and regulates dumping of other garbage. RESULTS OF 2012 NATIONAL COASTAL

CLEANUP Date of Cleanup: On Friday 28th September 2012 the Department of Physical Planning and Environment hosted its annual National Coastal Cleanup. Between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM, teams of volunteers converge on selected beaches in St. Kitts to remove and record marine debris that has been deposited. The areas targeted for this year’s cleanup include the stretch of coastline from the mouth of the Cayon River at Hermitage Bay to Half Moon Bay. This area forms part of the United Nation Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Project which forms part of the larger St. Mary Biosphere Reserve. In addition, one team of volunteers was

assigned to clean the shore front of the Newtown Bay Road. Volunteers: Inclusive of zone site captains and other supervisory staff, approximately 250 persons were engaged in the cleanup activities for 2012. As in previous years, the majority of volunteers were representatives of the student body of each of the seven high schools on the island along with students of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC). Each group was assigned to a designated stretch of beach within the selected cleanup zone.

2012 COASTAL CLEANUP DATA ANALYSIS: Table 1: Sources of Debris 2012 Category Total

Items Total Percentage

Shoreline and Recreational Activities

8608 81.45%

Ocean /Waterway Activities

1782 16.86%

Smoking-Related Activities 28 0.26%

Dumping Activities 140 1.32%

Medical/Personal Hygiene 11 0.10%

TOTAL 10569 100.00%

Table 1 shows the total number of items and the percentage of total items collected by category sources as defined by the Ocean Conservancy for St. Kitts in 2012. As in past cleanups, Shoreline and Recreational Activities continue to be the main source of marine debris in St. Kitts accounting for

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over 81% of the debris items collected. Items from this source typically end up on beaches as deposits of storm-water runoff as well as deliberate or accidental disposal by beach goers and picnickers.

Chart Showing Sources of Debris by Total Percentage Persons engaged in various forms of recreational and commercial fishing and boating activities often discard items such as old buoys, bait containers, and fishing lines either directly onto the shore or at sea which are then washed ashore through tidal action. Table 2: Top Ten Debris Items 2012 Item Total

Items Total Percentage

Beverage Bottles (Plastic) 3913 37.02% Caps, lids 1672 15.82% Rope 621 5.88% Cups, Plates, Fork, Knives, Spoons

542 5.13%

Bags (Plastic) 521 4.93% Straws, Stirrers 473 4.48% Food Wrappers/ Containers

382 3.61%

Beverage Cans 319 3.02% Bleach/Cleaner Bottles 318 3.01% Clothing, Shoes 302 2.86%

TOTAL 9063 85.75% Table 2 is a chronological listing of the number and respective percentage of debris

items collected during the cleanup. Plastic beverage bottles and associated caps and lids account for over 50% by unit of the total number of items collected. From observation, locally discarded soft drink beverage and water bottles from local manufactures were most commonly seen.

Most common debris item found: Plastic Beverage Bottles

Chart showing Top Ten Debris Items by Total Percentage The stretch of beach from Hermitage Bay to Half Moon Bay encompasses four geographically designated beaches (cleanup sites). Six teams of volunteers representing the different schools were assigned to cover selected sections along this stretch for cleaning. In addition, one team was assigned to the Newtown Bay.

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The chart below shows the total number of debris items collected at each site during this year’s cleanup.

Chart showing total debris items collected by site The total number of items debris items collected from all sites during the 2012 coastal cleanup was 10,569. Table 3: Data Summary 2012 - St. Kitts

Categorized Debris Items Total % of Total

Shoreline and Recreational Activities Bags (Paper) 217 2.05 Bags (Plastic) 521 4.93 Balloons 23 0.22 Beverage Bottles (Plastic) 3913 37.02 Glass Beverage Bottles 230 2.18 Beverage Cans 319 3.02 Caps, Lids 1672 15.82 Clothing, Shoes 302 2.86 Cups, Plates, Forks, Knives, Spoons 542 5.13 Food Wrappers/Containers 382 3.61 Pull Tabs 1 0.01 6-Pack Holders 0 0.00 Shotgun Shells/Wadding 0 0.00 Straws, Stirrers 473 4.48 Toys 13 0.12

Category Totals 8608 81.45

Ocean/Waterway Activities Bait Containers/Packaging 104 0.98 Bleach/Cleaner Bottles 318 3.01 Buoys/Floats 146 1.38 Crab/Lobster/Fish Traps 34 0.32 Crates 123 1.16 Fishing Lines 60 0.57 Fishing Lures/Lights Sticks 20 0.19 Fishing Nets 53 0.50 Light Bulbs/Tubes 43 0.41 Oil/Lube Bottles 209 1.98 Pallets 6 0.06

Plastic Sheeting/Traps 45 0.43 Rope 621 5.88 Strapping Bands 0 0.00


Smoking-Related Activities Cigarettes/Cigarette Filters 9 0.09 Cigarette Lighters 18 0.17 Cigar Tips 1 0.01 Tobacco Packaging/Wrappers 0 0.00


Dumping Activities

Appliances (refrigerators, washers...) 7 0.07 Batteries 0 0.00 Building Materials 119 1.13 Cars/Car Parts 12 0.11 55-Gallon Drums 0 0.00 Tires 2 0.02

Category Totals 140 1.32 Medical/personal Hygiene Condoms 7 0.07 Diapers 4 0.04 Syringes 0 0.00 Tampons/Tampon Applicators 0 0.00


TOTAL 10569 100

DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW OF THE 2012

NATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP Following the event, staff of the Department met on Monday 8th October for a review session. The main objective of the meeting was to provide feedback and make suggestions for improvement in hosting future events. In spite of a few areas of general concern the consensus was that the 2012 cleanup was a success. Suggestions aimed at promoting the event and improving hosting future events include: • Engaging in more outreach and

awareness programs through the use broadcast, print and social media.

• Target local manufacturers to raise awareness and establish alliance in controlling waste generation, particularly those related to items that end up as marine debris.

• Collaborate with other government and non-government organizations to find

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solutions for tackling problems associated with solid waste.

• Implement programmes in schools to promote environmental awareness and solid waste management.

• Circulate coastal cleanup data among a wider segment of the population including learning and information institutions.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE DEBRIS As individuals we all can help to reduce the amount of debris on our beaches and in the oceans by becoming more aware of the negative impacts of marine debris and thus changing the behaviors that lead to marine debris. Improperly discarded solid waste materials can be carried by wind or rain onto our beaches. As beach goers and other users of the marine environment we have an obligation to discard of refuse in a proper manner. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a series of tips that can lead to a reduction in the amount of marine debris: At Home: • Look for opportunities to reduce, reuse

or recycle waste items. • Dispose of trash properly, using the

appropriate garbage and recycling receptacles.

• Ensure trash and recyclable receptacles outside the home are appropriately maintained and secured.

• Tell family, friends, and neighbors about ways to prevent trash from becoming marine debris.

At School: • Dispose of all trash and recyclables in

the proper receptacles. • Try to reuse your old backpack, pencils,

notebooks, and other supplies. • Bring your lunch in a reusable lunchbox

or cooler. • Start an environmental club, recycling

project, or gather people to participate in cleanup events.

On the Go: • When away from your home, dispose of

all trash and recyclables in the proper receptacles.

• Try to purchase and use items with less packaging or in packages and containers that are recyclable.

• For picnics and other outdoor activities, remember to bring reusable utensils, tableware, water bottles, cups, and cloth napkins. If only disposable products are available, take just what you need.

At the Office: • Use the recycle bins in your office to

recycle your paper, newspapers, and beverage and food containers.

• Limit your printing to save paper and ink.

• Avoid disposable items such as plates, bottles, cups, and utensils by bringing reusable alternatives to work.

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http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/marinedebris/events.cfm


• Buy recycled and environmentally friendly paper.

Events: • Cleanup events help to remove trash and

debris from oceans, coasts, and waterways.

• Get involved in activities in your community, such as monitoring, cleanups, and restoration projects.

• Participate in the St. Kitts National Coastal Cleanup/International Coastal Cleanup annual events.

CONCLUSION Over the approximately 2-1/2 hours of cleaning for the 2012 National Coastal Cleanup, over 240 volunteers were able to remove 10569 items of debris weighing approximately 2718 pounds from our coastlines. For this event the focal area stretches from the Hermitage Bay in the Cayon area to Half Moon Bay. As in past cleanups, debris items associated with shoreline and recreational activities continue to account for over 80% of items collected. Included in this category were the 3913 plastic beverage bottles or (37%) of items that were collected. Marine debris can have significant negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity, human health and the economy. Marine debris is aesthetically unsightly and is a hindrance to persons wishing to use the impacted beaches. Coastal wildlife can

become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines. Broken glass bottles and medical syringes can injure beach goers. Marine plants, non mobile biological organisms, coral reefs and sea-grass beds can all be impacted by marine debris. The coastal and marine zones of St. Kitts are prime locations for various forms of economic activity. Excessive deposits of marine debris in these zones therefore can disrupt economic activities. Based on recent trends, the DPPE is constantly seeking to promote interventions at all levels in an effort to tackle the negative impacts of marine debris in St. Kitts. CONTRIBUTIONS The Department of Physical Planning and Environment acknowledges the following for their generous contributions to the 2012 NCC. Table 4: List of Contributors

CONTRIBUTOR Contribution

Christophe Harbour Development Money

SKN Development Bank Money

Delisle Walwyn & Company Ltd. Money

Rock and Dirt Construction Ltd. Money

St. Kitts Social Security Board Money

St. Cooperative Credit Union Money

Ross University SVM Bags, Gloves

St. Kitts Marriott Bags, Gloves

St. Kitts Bottling Company Ltd. Water, Cooler

SDB Solutions Water, Cooler

St. Kitts Masonry Products Ltd. Tent

Island Bakery Snacks

Dominos Pizza Snacks

Kentucky Fried Chicken Snacks

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Fraites and Sons Bakery Snacks

SKN Football Association Tables, Coolers

Carol’s Catering Services Catering

Manhattan Gardens Catering

Ministry of Education Transportation

Environmental Health Department Staff Ministry of Sustainable Development

Staff, Funding

Table 5: Participating Schools Name of School Saddlers Secondary School

Cayon High School

Washington Archibald High School

Basseterre Senior High School

Immaculate Conception Convent High

Verchilds High School

Charles E. Mills Sandy Point High School

Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College

INFORMATION

For more information on the National Coastal Cleanup, please contact:

The Department of Physical Planning

and Environment PO Box 597

Wellington Road, Basseterre St. Kitts

Phone: (869) 465-2277 Fax: (869) 465-5842

E-mail: [email protected]

For more information of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal

Cleanup, please contact:

Ocean Conservancy 1300 19th Street, NW

8th Floor Washington, DC 20036 USA

www.oceanconservancy.org

Further reading, visit:

www.marinedebris.noaa.gov

water.epa.gov

THANKS TO ALL

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.oceanconservancy.org/

http://www.marinedebris.noaa.gov/


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NATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP › wp-content › uploads › 2020 › 06 › ... · Typical type of debris found on beaches during cleanup. Marine debris is one of the most widespread