Volunteers needed for New Pass Fishing Piers Cleanup

What: The first cleanup of the New Pass Fishing Piers.

When: June 3, 2017. Registration will begin at 8:00, followed by a briefing at 8:30. Water entry will begin at 8:45. Event ends at 12:00.

Who: Certified divers, limited kayakers, and lots of ‘topside sorting’ and support volunteers are needed. Community service hours will be given to students.

Where: Ken Thompson Park (between Marine Max and Sarasota Sailing Squadron), 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.

Why: Removing marine debris and lost fishing gear will reduce bird and marine animal entanglement and ghost fishing while maintaining a healthy habitat and fishing environment for everyone. Sarasota Bay Watch collects data from recovered fishing gear to determine marine debris hot spots, fishing impact, and entanglement dangers.

How: Registration is limited and required for divers, kayakers, and all helpers.

• Experienced divers must be certified and supply their own equipment. Sarasota Police Department boats will secure perimeter.
• Experienced kayakers will help communicate with divers and assist in debris transfer from divers to collection site.
• Topside helpers will retrieve trash from the pier and surrounding area, hoist debris from divers, and transfer the refuse while assisting with data collection.
• Scuba Quest will offer a free tank fill or rental for divers participating in the event. Please contact Scuba Quest of Sarasota for details regarding tanks: (941) 366-1530.
• Registration for kayak volunteers is closed, due to such a great response from our volunteer network! We still need plenty of topside support so please continue to register.