White House Plans to Address Trash in the Ocean Boosts Project AWARE’s International Cleanup Efforts

Beaches across Asia Pacific saw record numbers of volunteers cleaning up underwater and on shore for International Cleanup Day 2007 and now The White House unveils its plans to address trash in the ocean.

The White House decision is welcomed by Project AWARE who already spearheads thousands of clean ups every year in a bid to conserve underwater environments worldwide. 

B&J Diving Centre Tioman, Malaysia

 “We’re thrilled about the new White House plan to address trash in our oceans,” said Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director, Project AWARE Foundation. “The announcement boosts Project AWARE’s 12-year underwater volunteer effort to remove and prevent harmful aquatic debris – a human-induced and preventable problem.” 

The new initiatives were unveiled by First Lady Laura Bush at a White House event in Mississippi, USA. Plans will focus on more public/private partnerships for cleanups, enhanced public education on marine debris prevention and an emphasis on international cooperation.  

“Whether we live on the shore or not, all of us have the obligation to care for these amazing natural resources,” stated Mrs Bush.  The First Lady has championed marine debris prevention since seeing the extent of the problem during a visit to the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Monument.

Easy Divers, Thailand

She spoke about the importance of the ocean environment, promising to promote annual cleanups and make sure people are educated about marine debris and how to participate in solutions. Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of the Ocean Conservancy, Project AWARE’s partner for International Cleanup Day, shined a spotlight on marine debris issues and the international cleanup efforts already taking place.

“The First Lady’s dedication to the issues we’ve been fighting for is inspiring – and, it gives a big push to the sea change that is underway,” she said. Each year Project AWARE Foundation coordinates underwater cleanups in more than 100 countries and territories in partnership with dive professionals and the Ocean Conservancy. Cleanup volunteers are making a difference by improving aquatic environments and protecting fragile wildlife.