Recover 5 Million Pounds of Ocean Plastic

The Chesapeake Bay is the 3rd largest estuary on the planet and the largest estuary in the United States where Ocean Blue operates. The meandering shoreline alone measures 12,000 miles and there are more than 100,000 stream miles in over 150 streams and rivers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

There is a solid understanding of the major pollutants plaguing the Bay - nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Erosion and polluted runoff water are a major concern and we know that derelict fishing gear, microplastics and other marine debris are present in the Bay. We want to understand how much, and the best way to do that is to clean as we go. Richard and his CleanUp Crew are actively assessing types and numbers of marine debris and have already begun by assessing the Rivers of Virginia's Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. We look forward to his report this year. 

The Ocean Blue Team looks forward to reaching our goal to remove an additional 1 million pounds of plastic + debris this year on our way to 5 million pounds by 2025! Thank you for being a part of it and for providing the much needed financial support to cover costs of equipment and paid employees, also supporting the local economy where we work and play this year in the Chespeake Bay.