Subject:
Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 02:16:27 -0400
From: "Keith Fletcher --- Ocean Watch Foundation "
Organization: Ocean Watch Foundation

Ocean Watch's 16th Annual Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup
Saturday, June 12, 2004 from 9am - 1pm

On Saturday, June 12, Ocean Watch Foundation will be having its 16th Annual Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup . A great family activity too. All ages. Already a South Florida tradition, local charter boats, private boaters and beach walkers will sweep our beaches and coral reefs clean from harmful garbage and debris. We are expecting over 800 beach lovers and coastal residents (but want many more) to pitch-in to preserve the natural beauty of the shores and reefs along Broward County.

Ocean Watch Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of our local coral reef ecosystems through education, conservation, and beach and reef cleanups. Coral reefs are among the most fragile ecosystems on this planet and have existed for millions of years. In the tri-county area, coral reefs contribute over $1 billion dollars annually to the economy and provide over 30,000 jobs in the area. What gets dropped on the beach as litter gets washed into the ocean harming the coral reefs and marine life? This is just one reason why it is important to help with beach cleanups, besides the aesthetic beauty and human health for beach goers. Over the years, Ocean Watch volunteers have collected some 20 tons of debris from our beaches and reefs. Imagine hauling that down to the curb or dumpster.

There are six sites throughout Broward County that volunteers can easily take part in by just showing up at the beach and lending a hand. Then their are also beach shore diving sites for SCUBA divers and private charter boats going out to the reefs. See location and dive boat operator information for more information. Note, for the dive boat charters there is a reduced fee for the dive excursion to divers. All other activities for the cleanup are free.
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BEACH WALKERS:
· North Beach Park (at Sheridan Street in Hollywood Beach)
· Dania Pier (just North of Dania Beach Blvd in Dania Beach)
· Birch State Park (across from Birch State Park A1A and Sunrise), Parking
provided inside the park if street parking not available.
· Lauderdale-By-The-Sea (at Commercial Blvd and El Mar Drive)
· Pompano Beach Pier (just North of Atlantic Blvd in Pompano Beach)
· Deerfield Beach (at Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach)

BEACH SHORE DIVERS:
· Pompano Beach Pier (just North of Atlantic Blvd in Pompano Beach)
· Deerfield Beach Pier (at Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach)

PRIVATE BOATERS:
Lighthouse Point (Fletcher Park 3035 NE 31st Avenue) Site for drop-off of collected trash only that you may have found in the waterways or on private dives.

CHARTER BOAT DIVES:
For divers interested in going to a reef cleanup, please call one of the following operators and let them know you are with Reef Sweep to obtain the discount. Also, be sure to get all details on where to meet the boat and what time.
American Dream II 954-577-0338
Diversion 954-430-3483
Diversity 561-368-9952
Dry Martini 954-963-0757
Fathoms O'Fun 954-942-7333
Fish Food 954-942-7333
Ibis 954-922-8134
Lady Go Diver 954-420-0009
Miss Conduct 954-698-6139
Pro Diver II 954-776-3483
Reef Roamer 954-524-2112
Tonto 954-788-9483

For more information visit: http://www.oceanwatch.org/reefsweep.htm or call 954-467-1366 and leave a voice mail.

All participants are invited to the Reef Sweep Party immediately after the cleanup 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm where awards will be given to the people who collect the most garbage, rope and monofilament. This lively party includes food, live entertainment, raffle and door prizes. Bring your children too. $10 Non-volunteers $5 Volunteers $3 for children under 12. We will have discount coupons available, if you want to walk over to the Museum of Discovery and Science to see the world's largest captive Atlantic coral reef. There will also be Soap Box Derby Races in the streets that day. Don' t worry about Parking. Plenty of garages and the City Public Garage Across from the Library (1.5 blocks away).

Check out the party location, Baja Fort Lauderdale at the Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Riverfront Complex (300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: 954-462-5604) and the live entertainment.

Raffle tickets are available for an $8,000 value LUXURY cruise from Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. There will also be hotel stays and airline tickets to raffle off plus much more.

Last Updated: 28-May-2004