Since 2012, we’ve worked with New Hampshire Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension to conduct cleanups at the Isles of Shoals. Our goal is to determine which litter items are most prevalent, and how quickly marine debris accumulates in certain areas of the islands.
Common litter items on the Isles of Shoals include lost fishing gear, plastic bottles, foam pieces, plastic pieces, and balloons. The biggest and most complex cleanup to date was in August 2012, when we removed more than 2,800 pounds of marine debris (including more than 70 lobster traps, with permission from NH Fish and Game) from White Island.
Thanks to these partners, who have helped with Isles of Shoals cleanups over the years:
- NH Sea Grant
- UNH Cooperative Extension
- NH Fish and Game
- NH Coastal Program
- Lee Schatvet
- Star Island Corporation
- Spaulding High School
- Shoals Marine Lab
- Maine Marine Patrol
- Lighthouse Kids / White Island Stewards
- NOAA
- Fishing for Energy Partnership