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Thousands expected for Coastal Cleanup Day

More than 50,000 people are expected to swarm over California’s beaches Saturday. But instead of a relaxing day in the sun, the volunteers will scour the shorelines for trash. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce

Thousands expected for Coastal Cleanup Day

More than 50,000 people are expected to swarm over California’s beaches Saturday.  But instead of a relaxing day in the sun, the volunteerswill scour the shorelines for trash.  KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

It’s been called the world’s largest volunteer event – in California and throughout the world – Coastal Cleanup Day. San Diego Coastkeeper spokesman Bruce Reznik says he expects more than 5,000 volunteers to collect trash from sites throughout the county.

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Reznik: "There is a tremendous amount of trash on the beach and in our inland waterways. Nothing evidences that more than the amount that we get on Coastal Cleanup Day. Last year we got 200,000 pounds of debris from our inland waterways and from our coastal areas.”

Reznik says ocean pollution has been linked to multiple health issues for people including ear, nose and throat problems. He says the trash threatens the existence of animals and marine life. Cleanup supplies are provided at the 60 San Diego county sites. Volunteers can show up or register in advance.

Ed Joyce KPBS News.