A Colorado-based marine environmental group is calling on the Island to take a look at the issue of dirty beaches and do something about them.

The 18-signature letter dated July 13 from the Denver group Citizens Concerned for the Marine Environment (CCME) was sent to the Solid Waste Manager of the Department of Works and Engineering.

The letter was also circulated to the Department of Environmental Health and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB).

Executive director of the KBB, Lennox Boodram, said the letter contained some valid concerns.

The letter stated: "During a recent visit to local beaches we have been outraged and disgusted with the amount of trash found, at supposedly one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

"We have noticed large amounts of floatable, medical waste and household waste including feminine products present on the shore.

"We were informed that most of this refuse originated from the sewage outfall pipes offshore and cruise ships.

"As marine enthusiasts and visitors to the Island, we would like to see this issue addressed immediately.

"For an Island that relies so heavily on tourism, this issue should be a primary concern for the Bermudian population.

"A minimal solution would be to clean the beaches on a daily basis. However this will not eliminate the continuous wash up of waste. An even better resolution would be to prevent the waste from reaching the shores by reducing the amount of trash and by establishing a better method of waste treatment and disposal.

"We hope this letter will raise you attention of this matter and that you will become aware of the necessity of action.'' Mr. Boodram said: "These are valid concerns, There is a lot of debris on the beaches, some of which comes from offshore drainage waste pipes.

"Each individual has to do their part. There are things which Bermudians can do,'' he added. "The only solution Bermudian residents have, is to do their part.'' However, Mr. Boodram said he did not agree completely with the remark concerning the sewage coming from the cruise ships. He noted that cruise ships were careful about what they did in Bermuda's waters.

He also called on recreational boaters to steer clear of disposing waste over board. The KBB will have a marine clean-up day on September 16.