“True-blue ocean advocates” took to shorelines and waterways across the state on April 13 to remove harmful litter and collect data at the 2024 Clean Ocean Action Spring Beach Sweeps. “Braving brisk winds and some light, cold rain showers, volunteers arrived at a Beach Sweeps record-high 81 locations with buckets in hand, ready to clean beaches and ‘give back’ to the ocean,” according to Clean Ocean Action. Many were participating while representing organizations, civic groups, businesses, scout troops and schools.

Heavy rainfall, gales and flooding marked the days before the event, adding to trash and debris on beaches. Volunteers — including an estimated 400 volunteers at Sandy Hook — removed tens of thousands of items from beaches and waterways, ranging from Essex County to Cape May County. It was Clean Ocean Action’s 39th year holding Spring Beach Sweeps.