Salem, MA — Over the Easter weekend, it appears that a celebration was held on Winter Island, leaving behind a large amount of Mylar plastic pieces on the ground and dangerously close to the surrounding water. When the trash came to our attention a few days later, we investigated the area and determined that there were still many pieces scattered throughout.
A notice was sent out to local Salem Sound Coastwatch volunteers notifying them of the plastic pollution, and we implored them to please try and clean it up if they were able to. We are happy to report that multiple people responded to the call and the mess was cleaned up that very night. According to one of our volunteers, the Mylar pieces ranged from 1/4 to 1 inch in size, and the wind had blown the debris field to an area of about 130 feet by 40 feet.
It is this kind of communication and cooperation that allows SSCW and its volunteers to make a big impact in our communities, no matter how small or large the scale of the cleanup. If you come across a large patch of land or marine debris, or plastic pollution that may threaten an aquatic ecosystem, please let us know at info@salemsound.org or call our office at (978) 741-7900. Thank you!