Upcoming Events

Beach Plastics Talk - Port Townsend Marine Science Center Dec. 2
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Port Townsend, WA-As part of their ongoing Plastics in the Marine
Environment program, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTSMC) is hosting a brown bag lunch in their Natural History Exhibit at Fort Worden State Park on December 2nd at noon.

Lisa Friend, recycling outreach coordinator for RE Sources for
Sustainable Communities, will be offering a 30-minute presentation about efforts with maritime industries to reduce impacts of marine litter by providing boatyard opportunities to recycle plastics, like monofilament fishing line.


"Our brown bag lunches are a way for people to convene in an informal setting and learn about pertinent topics that interest them," said Jean Walat, Volunteer Coordinator for the PTMSC. "While most of us are old hands at recycling milk jugs and newspapers, this presentation talks about how to reduce the impact of abandoned fishing line and other plastics that have been a big problem in the marine environment. The presentation is free and the public is encouraged to attend." People may bring a lunch if they wish; hot beverages and dessert will be provided.

RE Sources has been focusing this fall on three plastic streams: used tarps, monofilament fishing line and plastic bottles. Although plastics markets are weak from shore to shore, demand for most of these specialty materials is still strong. Next spring, RE Sources hopes to expand recycling efforts to more net recycling and a special "drive" to collect polyethylene boat wrap. They're anxious to expand both programs Sound-wide.

PTMSC is currently providing a region wide education and monitoring
program focused on reducing plastic pollution in the marine environment, funded by Washington Department of Ecology. RE Sources is a partner in this program, conducting beach sediment sampling in Whatcom County.

For more information on the brown bag lunch, contact Jean Walat at
385.5582, ext. 112 or via e-mail at jwalat@ptmsc.org or visit
www.ptmsc.org.

Beach Seining Opportunity - Bainbridge Dec. 5
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Friday, December 5th 8:30 am at Fay Bainbridge State Park we will meet for the bi-weekly Bainbridge Island beach seine. The beach seine program depends on its volunteers, without you we truly can't make it happen. With the holiday season officially upon us you may want to consider spending a few hours out on the Puget Sound with the beach seine crew as a way to get away from a stress of the season or spend time with a family member or friend. Beach seining is an excellent way to learn more about the nearshore environment, Bainbridge Island, and marine ecology from a hands on perspective, it's also a lot of fun and free. We will meet at Fay Bainbridge State Park at 8:30 am and typically conclude around 1-2pm. Please dress accordingly and bring a hardy pair of gloves.

Directions and information about the park are available at http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Fay+Bainbridge
If you can't make it 12/5, the next seine events are scheduled for 12/19, 1/2, 1/16, and 1/30. Feel free to reserve a spot far advance. If you have any questions please call or email me. Join the Bainbridge Island beach seine crew and circumnavigate Bainbridge Island with us! Please confirm your attendance with boot size (for waders)
and emergency contact information (name and number).

Thank you,
Colin Spikes
shorelineintern@ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us