AS the Keep Bermuda Beautiful organisation held its annual Marine Clean-Up Day last month, Dolphin Quest staff and interns did their part, clearing coastal areas wrecked by the passage of Hurricane Fabian and the inconsiderate practices of some residents.

More than 630 pounds of dumped garbage, covering a one-mile span along Somerset Long Bay, Mangrove Bay and Dockyard, were collected by the 23 volunteers. The effort took 29 hours.

The clean-up was part of an island-wide effort, held in conjunction with International Coastal Clean-Up day. As part of the initiative, more than 400,000 volunteers around the world removed debris, household items and other improperly disposed waste from marine areas.

Volunteers found a range of items including auto batteries, a barbecue grill, a mouse glue trap, ropes, a fishing line and even a bed. The day proved even Bermuda's dumping habits unique to the world, with one item proving more prevalent than others.

"While cigarettes and filters are most commonly found elsewhere, we found many more glass bottles and bottle caps than anything else," said Christine Mihelcic, general manager of Dolphin Quest. "We are happy to provide Bermuda with three cleaner sites.

"It is now up to the residents and visitors to assist us. Simply by placing debris in the right spot, we can ensure the health and well being of all marine life out there."

The International Coastal Clean-up is headed by the Ocean Conservancy in Virginia and, this year, involved more than 100 countries.

As part of the clean-up, volunteers are generally responsible for removing debris from the coast and recording the quantity and type of debris found. The data is then used by the Ocean Conservancy to monitor trends in marine pollution. Long-term monitoring has led to strict marine legislation and influenced international environmental treaties.

"It is amazing what items (we) found," said Robyn Bungay. "People just don't realise that they can hurt ocean life simply by not disposing of their trash properly. If everyone out there would do their part, clean-up efforts like this would not be needed.

"All it takes is for everyone to place their debris in the appropriate containers, and to pick up any items they see on the ground. Imagine how amazingly beautiful our world would be if we each took an active role in keeping it clean."

q For more information about the International Coastal Clean-up, visit www.oceanconservancy.org