2013.07.12
Beach cleanup leads up to Ocean Day
Matsuda Beach is the site chosen for a beach cleanup this weekend as Japan rolls into a long weekend celebrating Japan Ocean Day, Monday.
Yellow banners with the Manta symbol will be flying west of the Ginoza Village Office to mark the spot for the Matsuda Beach cleanup. Volunteers will gather at 8:45 a.m. Saturday at the Lawson just north of the Ginoza Expressway exit. The cleanup runs 9:30 a.m. ~ 10:30 a.m., followed by a tally of collected trash using the new Marine Debris cards from 10:30 a.m. ~ 11 a.m. Edo Heinrich-Sanchez says there will be a group picture at 11:30 a.m., followed by a lunch break. He encourages groups coming for the beach cleaning to bring their own banners.
July 15th, the third Monday of July, is Japan Ocean Day. It’s being celebrated as a long holiday weekend. Sanchez reminds beach-goers that it is the sea turtle nesting season, so no campfires are permitted on the beach. “If a sea turtle happens to come up to the beach while you are camping, please do not disturb it or take pictures with a flash,” says Heinrich-Sanchez. “Stay out of its way and enjoy the experience.”
The environmental leader says “We are looking for groups interested in leading cleanups during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) from September to November. Participating groups will be recognized and help in solving the problem that is choking the health out of our oceans. Help us be part of the solution.”