for Marine Conservation International Cleanup. This is the world's largest annual cleanup of beaches, waterways and coastal areas.

On September 18, 1999, Bermuda's residents (KBB volunteers) will be part of more than half a million from around the world who will comb beaches coastal areas and even underwater sites in at least 74 countries and 54 US states.

Their objective will be to remove and catalogue debris carelessly or intentional discarded in the world's waterways and present hard data on pollution sources worldwide.

Keep Bermuda Beautiful has been a part of this effort since the late 80's.

Our volunteers have spanned a great cross section of our community, from school children, community leaders, government departments. All have supported this event in the past.

By being a part of this event you will make a difference locally while simultaneously taking part in a large global effort to protect the world's marine environment.

Emily Morgan, director of CMC's Citizen Outreach and Monitoring Programme, detailed the uniqueness of the International Coastal Cleanup.

"Every year, from Argentina to New Zealand, volunteers of all ages and walks of life come together to show their appreciation for their local beach, river, lake or bay.

"It's exciting to think that over half a million people around the world are at the same time cleaning up their favourite waterway -- on foot, by boat, or in scuba gear. Each cleanup is unique in its own right, but all of them work toward one common goal -- to make our beaches and waterways safe for both humans and wildlife.'' In 1998, KBB had 250 volunteers who picked just over 13 tons of trash off our coastal and marine environment.

In terms of volume of trash collected, Bermuda places at tenth out of 74 countries, which took part in the Cleanup.

According to data forms returned and forwarded to the CMC we had 250 volunteers who picked up 26,200.0 pounds (13.1 tons) of trash. This means that each person who took part in the cleanup picked up over 1000 pounds of trash.

KBB extends an invitation to all Bermuda residents to come out and take part in this year's Coastal and Marine Cleanup. For more information you can call KBB offices or visit our website and sign up on line or check the newspaper for more details.

Contributed by Lennox Boodram Executive director: KBB's Lennox Boodram strives to keep Bermuda as litter free as possible.