Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. (Bahamas Education of Animals and Conservation of Habitat) celebrated the 40th International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday by rallying hundreds of volunteers to tackle marine debris at Yamacraw Beach, helping safeguard The Bahamas’ eastern shoreline.
Since its launch four decades ago, the cleanup has become a flagship effort in environmental stewardship, uniting corporate partners, community groups, and residents to fight marine pollution. This year, volunteers from across New Providence collected more than 530 pounds of litter from the beach and surrounding areas. The debris will be audited by the Ocean Conservancy and entered into the world’s largest marine debris database—data that scientists and policymakers rely on to address ocean pollution.
“The turnout for our 40th cleanup is a testament to our community’s commitment,” said Te-Shalla Clarke, Blue Lagoon Island’s Education and Sustainability Officer. “This is more than a cleanup. It’s a powerful statement that we are united in protecting our oceans and preserving the beauty of The Bahamas for future generations. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers and sponsors for making this milestone event a success.”
Participants included Member of Parliament Zane Lightbourne and Team Z, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), the Boys’ Brigade, Enusta Academy, the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), St. Andrew’s International School, and the University of The Bahamas. Community partners such as Island Luck, RBC, and the Rotary Club of Nassau also joined the effort. Sponsors included ALIV, AML Foods, Arawak Port Development, Bahamas Waste, Bahamas Wholesale Agency, Born Free Charters, Caribbean Bottling Company (Coca-Cola), Easy Car Sales, Everybody Wins Live, Lickety Split, Powerboat Adventures, and Sandy Toes.
“Each year, when our participants spend a Saturday morning cleaning one of our beautiful beaches, it opens their eyes to the bigger problem we face,” said George Richardson, GGYA Program Officer. “They realize that something as small as dropping a candy wrapper may not seem like much, but when everyone thinks that way, it adds up to a serious trash problem threatening our precious natural resources.”
Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. hosts cleanups and educational programs year-round to build appreciation for The Bahamas’ marine ecosystems. The International Coastal Cleanup is part of a global initiative to remove trash from beaches and waterways, track pollution sources, and inspire lasting changes that protect the environment.
