KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Kayla Desroches/KMXT
Marine debris clean-up at Shuyak Island State Park just concluded for the year. Over the course of three months, local nonprofit Island Trails Network deployed volunteers to pick up the debris that catches on the bays and lagoons of western Shuyak Island. By the end of the project, volunteers had gathered 70,000 pounds of debris, which ITN has determined consists mostly of derelict fishing gear, metal material and plastic waste.
Clean-up efforts on Shuyak have been active since 2008, according to the ITN website, and this year the group worked with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the State of Alaska, and some athletic locals.
Volunteers traveled out to the island via kayak to collect debris every two weeks, during which time they had a chance to better the environment and incorporate their love for camping and kayaking.
ITN is currently seeking more adventurous souls to dedicate their time to this year’s clean-up. According to the press release, the final phase involves moving 195 super sacks of debris from various sites on Shuyak Island to a facility on Kodiak Island.
Those volunteers are needed between Sept 10 and 21. Check out the Island Trails website for more information.
