Building on last year’s success, Plastics SA is looking forward to the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), set to take place on 17 September, when Ocean Conservancy will officially introduce its mobile data collection app Clean Swell.

Clean Swell will provide participants with a fun, easy way to collect and submit debris data. It will allow for a more streamlined data compilation and submission process, while simultaneously increasing the ability to analyse and map global data.

The paper data form will always remain an option, but uptake of Clean Swell by volunteers will help lower the ICC’s footprint by reducing the amount of paper and shipping required to distribute data forms around the world.

The app was unofficially launched in last year’s ICC Report and allowed for feedback that has aided Ocean Conservancy in enhancing the design and functionality of the app. Ocean Conservancy will begin promoting the app with the upcoming 2015 ICC Report and will follow-up with a big push in August and September leading up to the 2016 ICC.

“This is an exciting transition that we hope will make this aspect of the cleanup more efficient than ever, saving hours and hours of data entry,” said Plastics SA Sustainability Manager John Kieser.

Clean Swell is available in the AppStore for iPhone and iPad users and on GooglePlay for Android users.

 

Gearing up to release 2015 report

The 2015 ICC data will be released in late May as part of the 30th Anniversary Report. The 2015 ICC was a huge success with global participation reaching its highest peak in more than 15 years with more than 780 000 volunteers cleaning up beaches and waterways.

The local event which took place on 19 September was described by some as the best ever. Approximately 47 tons of litter were removed along 380 kilometres of coastline, of which 17 kilometres were rivers and waterways, and 5 km² were in underwater areas.

Plastics SA has extended its thanks to everyone involved. “As we finalise all of the cleanup data from 2015, we want to thank you for another incredible International Coastal Cleanup,” said Kieser. “Thank you for being a part of the network that brings this important issue to the world’s attention year after year in a huge way.”