In Honor of World Ocean Day NAMEPA and Fairfield Chemical Carriers Invite All to Join in June 8th Waterway Cleanup

June 4th, 2021: The North American Marine Protection Association (NAMEPA) is teaming up with their corporate member, Fairfield Chemical Carriers to co-host a multi-location clean up in honor of World Ocean Day. On June 8^th from 1:00-3:00pm, volunteers from NAMEPA and Fairfield Chemical Carriers will be collecting debris at several locations along the Norwalk River ending at the Long Island Sound (40 Cross Street, Norwalk River Rowing and Veteran’s Park). Dedicated to Saving Our Seas, NAMEPA and Fairfield Chemical Carrier’s teams well understand the importance of taking care of the marine environment in their backyard and urge those who are available to join their efforts on June 8^th.

The cleanup will begin with an initial meeting to cover clean-up guidelines, the importance of waterway health and why these initiatives are so important in maintaining the health of the marine environment. The City of Norwalk will provide bags, grabbers and gloves for the cleanup. Volunteers, please come prepared by wearing sturdy closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothing that can get wet/muddy and bug spray/sunscreen if desired. Volunteers are also asked to use the CleanSwell app (download ahead Trash Free Seas: CleanSwell – Ocean Conservancy) and select NAMEPA Norwalk to track the amount, and type of trash that is collected. In order to participate, each volunteer must complete the Volunteer Release Form. You can print or email the completed form.

The ocean makes up 71% of the earth yet 80% of all marine debris found in the ocean is plastic that originates from land-based sources. There are many ways in which we can minimize and halt the effects of marine debris including preventing land-based litter from reaching the waterways.

World Ocean Day has been unofficially celebrated since 1992 after the idea was pitched during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by the Ocean Institute of Canada. World Ocean Day is an annually celebrated day that aims to bring awareness of the intricate connection between the health of the ocean and our own well-being with the goal of increasing conservation, protection and restoration efforts of the ocean environment.  Celebrated around the globe, many turn to their backyards to do their part in protecting and restoring our ocean.

NAMEPA mission is to Save Our Seas and increasing public awareness about the health of our oceans. We hope that this World Ocean Day, you will join us in our efforts and get out in the fresh air to help clean up our own backyard!

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. Visit us at: www.namepa.net

Fairfield Chemical Carriers is committed to being the chemical tanker operator of choice in its selected markets; to providing its customers with top quality and reliable service – creative, proactive, and always client focused; to maintaining the highest standards for safety and efficiency in the operation of its fleet; and, above, all, to conducting all its activities professionally, ethically and in a socially responsible manner.

For more information, go to https://fairfieldchemical.com/