New Report--25 Years of Tracking Ocean Trash

With new Trash Free Seas program, Ocean Conservancy to release unique report and graphics on problem and solutions of one of the most pervasive threats to our ocean and waterways

Video/photos of ocean wildlife, trash and cleanups, graphic top ten lists available

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ocean Conservancy:

“Talking Trash: 25 Years of Action for the Ocean”

What: As part of its Trash Free Seas campaign, Ocean Conservancy is releasing the only annual global snapshot of the problem of trash in our ocean in a report titled “Talking Trash: 25 Years of Action for the Ocean” on Tuesday, March 22. It provides a 25-year look at the trash and other marine debris found on beaches and in the water. The report will be used to educate the public and leaders in government and industry to make strides in preventing marine debris from choking our ocean and waterways.

The report and graphics rank the most common trash items found, the biggest problems areas and the upcoming innovative solutions for individuals and corporations.

When/Where:	Tuesday, March 22^nd, 2011
	The “Talking Trash” report and data, photos, video, graphics and other resources will be available online at www.oceanconservancy.org/iccmedia

Background: Marine Debris, or ocean trash, is a trending issue with concerns about clean beaches, floating garbage patches, and debates about plastic bags popping up across the country and around the world. At the same time as Ocean Conservancy’s report release, an international conference on marine debris will be underway in Honolulu – the 5^th International Marine Debris Conference.

The annual International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer effort for the ocean, bringing out hundreds of thousands of volunteers from around the world to remove millions of pounds of trash and debris from beaches, lakes and waterways while recording every piece of trash that is found. This data is collected and analyzed to produce annual reports that provide insight into the global problem of marine debris. Using the data, Ocean Conservancy is mobilizing the public, and working with industry and government to end marine debris through its Trash Free Seas Alliance.

Ocean Conservancy is the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. Through science-based advocacy, research, and public education, we inform, inspire and empower people to speak and act for the oceans. Ocean Conservancy is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific, with support from more than half a million members and volunteers. To learn more about Ocean Conservancy visit www.oceanconservancy.org.

Partners:
The Coca-Cola Company has supported Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) for the past 16 years. Last year, Coca-Cola activated a global employee engagement campaign around the Cleanup called “Pick it Up, Clean it Up, Sea Change!” Nearly 26,000 Coca-Cola system associates, their friends and families in 175 locations across 40 countries participated in the ICC, contributing more than 200,000 hours of volunteer time. As part of its commitment to address global climate change, Bank of America has supported the ICC for the past several years, with thousands of employees participating in Cleanup events in the United States and around the world. Other national sponsors include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Altria Group, Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton, The Dow Chemical Company, Brunswick Public Foundation, The Solo Cup Company, and US Environmental Protection Agency.