KEY PAGES
Site Index
Contact us / About Us
Bay & Watershed Info
Old CCMP|New CCMP
Links
Funding
Laws and Regulations
NEP Information
Reference
Status & Trends
Solutions
Take Action
Violations, Reporting
Weather and Tides
Action Plan 15:
Reducing Beach Debris and Litter
October 17, 2011 draft finalAbout the new Buzzards Bay CCMP Action Plans
The Buzzards Bay NEP is now updating our 1991 landmark Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to reflect the great progress achieved since that plan was finalized. It will include new or updated goals, objectives, and management solutions to meet the environmental needs for Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed throughout the next decade.
On this page is a draft action plan from the updated Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The text on this page is a public draft provided to invite comment and discussion of the subject by residents and stakeholders. It may contain goals and recommendations that have not yet been endorsed or approved by the Buzzards Bay Steering Committee. The views or information contained here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the US Environmental Protection Agency.
We want your feedback on this action plan. First, please read the entire action plan Reducing Beach Debris and Litter. Then at the bottom of this page click the "Rate the Goals and Objectives now" button to provide comments on each goal, objective and defined management approach contained in this Action Plan. Based on your feedback, we will update and revise all the action plans in the new CCMP.
Reducing Beach Debris, Marine Floatables, and Litter in Wetlands
Problem
Each year, thousands of residents and visitors enjoy Buzzards Bay for boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and birding. Many also visit the extensive inland wetlands, waterways, and open space throughout the watershed. Increasingly litter, marine debris, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste has degraded these areas. Litter and debris may be conveyed by stormwater systems (Figure 85), and debris can wash ashore with tides (Error! Reference source not found.). Although litter and debris in wetlands and the marine environment may seem to be a less serious problem than some others facing Buzzards Bay, it is in fact a problem that cuts across many action plans, and contributes the ever growing garbage patches appearing in ocean gyres, consisting of fine plastic particles and other materials. Litter collection also involves residents and visitors in assuming responsibility and ownership of open space and wetlands they use.
Goal
Goal 15.1 To ensure that Buzzards Bay beaches, coastal waters, and inland wetlands habitat are clear of harmful and degrading levels of marine debris.
Objectives
Objective 15.1. Ensure an adequate number and capacity of waste disposal barrels be provided at public beach and public and private marinas and boat haul-outs.
Objective 15.2. Stormwater discharge BMPs should include strategies to reduce or eliminate discharges of debris and floatables.
Objective 15.3. Encourage fisherman to not dispose of fishing lines, nets, cables, and trash at sea or on shore.
Objective 15.4. Educate the public and businesses on the importance of reducing litter and marine debris discharges and involve them in the potential solutions.
Objective 15.5. Ensure that state and local officials work in concert to reduce litter on public lands, beach debris, and marine floatables.
Objective 15.6. Identify and map important debris location sites, natural collection points, and potential remediation strategies
Solutions
Reducing litter and trash in the environment is complex and will require better education of the public, property owners, and businesses, and improved collaboration of local government with neighborhood association, and non-profit organizations. Implementation of this management plan involves three core strategies: undertaking periodic cleanups, implementing litter preventions programs to ensure both proper trash disposal and encourage waste reduction, and adopting any needed laws and regulations to increase awareness and accountability of litter generators. Government can also set an example in purchasing programs to focus on biodegradables and items less likely to enter litter waste streams.
Costs and Financing
The costs to implement this action plan are nominal; and the focus is to encourage individuals and businesses to take responsibility for the problem, and encourage volunteerism to solve the problem. There are some costs associated with cleanups, expendable supplies, signage, trash removal, and staff time, but some of these costs can be met through adopt a road or wetland program with businesses and non-profit organizations.
Measuring Success
Measuring success in this action plan is difficult because the amount of litter collected is a function of collection effort. More complex assessments could include evaluations of extent of littering, but programmatic achievements might be easier to track. These could include extent of areas adopted for cleanup, length of beaches cleaned each year, and the number of cleanup events held.
To fully understand the basis of these goals and objectives, and possible management approaches, please read the complete Reducing Marine Debris and Litter Action Plan (October 17, 2011 draft final, pdf file).