1. Leave only footprints in the sand.
Use trashcans or take trash home (carry in, carry out).
Use your beach pail at the end of the day to collect
litter. Scoop the Poop! Bring a bag to clean up after
your pet. After enjoying the beach, organize family
and friends for a cleanup, or join volunteers at COA’s
Spring and Fall Beach Sweeps.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Buy only re-usable or
recyclable products. Recycling reduces solid waste
and saves resources. If your beach does not have
recycling bins, take your items home to recycle.
3. Litter is lethal to marine life. Avoid bringing
disposable plastics to the beach. Plastics do not
biodegrade and can kill fish, birds, whales, seals,
turtles, and other animals through entanglement and
ingestion. If you see an animal entangled, injured, or
in danger see Tip # 9.
4. The beach is not an ashtray. Never leave
cigarette filters in the sand. They do not biodegrade
and are highly toxic to marine animals that mistake
them for food.
5. Hold the line, never let it go. Keep all fishing
line for recycling and send to: Pure Fishing America,
1900 18th St, Spirit Lake, IA 51360-1099. If not
possible, cut line into small pieces and put in trash.
6. Look, listen, and learn. Observe wildlife from a
distance and do not frighten or disturb beach critters.
Beachcomb for shells, listen for birdcalls, and look
for plants. Identify what you find with a field guide.
7. Report pollution. If you see unusual beach
conditions (garbage slicks, brown or red tides, fishkills)
notify your state. In New Jersey contact the
Department of Environmental Protection by calling
877-WARN-DEP and contact COA.
8. Carpool, walk, or bike to the beach. Cars are a
leading source of air and water pollution. Turn off
your car if idling for more than 30 seconds; this will
conserve fuel, save money, and reduce pollution.
9. Watch what you're dune. Dunes and grasses
protect inland areas from wind and wave action and
help preserve the shore. Dunes provide habitat for
birds and animals. If you see an animal entangled,
injured, or in danger, contact a lifeguard, wildlife
rehabilitator, or the Marine Mammal Stranding
Center
10. Green Boating. Watercrafts should not be
operated in shallow areas. Operate in deeper water
where you are less likely to disturb habitat. Obey
“fragile area” and “slow no wake” signs. Never
discharge debris overboard. Use pump-out facilities.
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