Keep Bermuda Beautiful invited members of the community to take part in its annual Island-wide Coastal Clean-up.

The environmental charity’s cornerstone event began today and runs until October 4 with a goal of cleaning up more than 60 beaches and coastal areas.

EY Bermuda returns as a sponsor for the ninth year.

Angel Smith, KBB’s executive director, said: “The partnership between KBB and EY Bermuda has made a significant impact.

“The coastal clean-up serves not only to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our marine environment and addressing the global ocean pollution crisis but it also underscores the positive effects of EY’s support and the dedication of the hundreds of volunteers involved.”

Last year, 878 volunteers, including 365 students, participated in the clean-up, removing 15,410lb of marine debris, local litter and illegally dumped waste from 17.16 miles of beaches and coastline, as well as 3.3 miles of seabed.

Mike Penrose, an EY Bermuda associate partner, said: “At EY Bermuda, we feel privileged to call this beautiful island home and we are committed to protecting our unique and fragile environment.

“It’s a natural fit for us to support KBB’s annual clean-up of Bermuda’s coastline, both through our sponsorship and the volunteer efforts of many of our employees, who are happy to roll up their sleeves and embrace the challenge.

“KBB’s goals to remove litter, tackle ocean pollution and encourage less waste resonate with EY’s purpose of building a better working world in the communities in which we operate across the world.”

Ms Smith added: “KBB’s Island-wide Coastal Clean-up is Bermuda’s largest and most focused marine conservation effort.

“The event aims to address the ongoing issues of littering and illegal dumping in Bermuda while educating the public on the severe impact ocean pollution has on our island.

“Data collected from this clean-up contributes to the Ocean Conservancy’s global research efforts as part of the International Coastal Clean-Up, which tracks and reports on ocean pollution worldwide.

“This data is crucial in identifying trends and developing solutions to tackle these issues.”

Bermuda’s location in the North Atlantic Gyre provides insights into global waste patterns affecting the region.

By monitoring and tracking marine debris, KBB, alongside local and international environmental organisations, works to develop effective strategies to combat ocean pollution.