An army of nearly 200 volunteers collected more than 8,100 pieces of trash along a four-mile stretch of the Island?s shoreline.

The International Coastal Clean-up campaign took place at Mangrove Bay and other locations in September and October.

?We?re noticing most debris is a result of local activities like picnicking, onshore fishing and smoking,? Dolphin Quest?s senior education specialist Robyn Bungay said yesterday. ?Many students who participate in the beach clean-ups are surprised at the blatant disregard some people have for the beach. They see first hand how people can impact our environment.?

Cigarette butts were the number one trash item found on Bermuda?s beaches with 3,291 of them collected.

Cigarette ends are particularly dangerous to ocean wildlife because once ingested they can cause illness or death. Ms Bungay said as it takes from five to 15 years for a cigarette butt to biodegrade due to small plastic particles that make up the filter.

Bottle caps and lids were the second worst offender with 1,367 recovered.

She said the clean-up crew collected 768 glass bottles, 747 food wrappers, 382 cups/plates/plastic utensils, 258 plastic soda bottles, 238 aluminium cans, 238 pieces of rope, 208 bags and 199 straws.

?By understanding the problem of marine debris we can take steps to implement solutions,? Ms Bungay said. ?Our goal with the International Coastal Clean-up campaign is not just to improve our beaches, but also to touch hearts and minds,? she said. ?If we inspire one person to be an advocate for conservation of our Island home, then we?ve made a big difference.?