A marine debris cleanup sponsored by numerous environmental organizations Dec. 14.
Participating groups included Suncoast Waterkeeper, Scoast Aqua Ventures, Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay estuary programs, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Organized Fishermen of Florida and Sarasota Bay Watch.
The volunteers focused on the mangrove shoreline near the De Soto National Memorial and Terra Ceia Bay.
According to Samantha Wassmer, marketing and communications specialist for Suncoast Waterkeeper, the volunteers produced results, including:
At the Blenker Marina, De Soto National Park and Emerson Point location in Northwest Bradenton, there were 50 volunteers working from six kayaks and five boats, who collected 4,280 pounds — enough to fill a 20-yard dumpster.
The Tropic Isles location at Terra Ceia Bay had 46 volunteers who collected 3,180 pounds, producing an overflow pile a full 16-yard dumpster.