Mission statement: Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) is a partnership of 34 environmental, conservation and public health organizations representing over 100,000 members who want to protect the good health, good jobs and quality of life that Maine’s environment provides. The Maine Conservation Alliance works to protect the environment and democracy through education, collaboration and advocacy by ensuring a livable and healthy future for us all by supporting policies that address climate change, social justice, and democracy.
The Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA) is seeking funding to create a new summer fellowship program to create a team of workers to clean up beaches in Southern Maine. The state of Maine’s breathtaking coastline not only serves as a vital habitat for diverse marine life but also attracts millions of visitors annually. However, this natural treasure is increasingly threatened by the accumulation of marine debris, including plastics, fishing gear, and other waste, which not only degrades the aesthetic beauty of the beaches but also poses significant environmental and ecological risks.
Maine is renowned for its natural beauty that not only sustains diverse ecosystems but attracts millions of tourists every year. As of 2022, the Maine Office of Tourism reported 15,363,600 visitations and 151,000 jobs related to tourism. The neighboring state of New Hampshire reported only about 4.3 million visitors that year. It’s important to ensure continuous tourism to not only stimulate Maine’s economy but also maintain the jobs it provides.
Plastic debris is known to suffocate, entangle, and be eaten by marine animals which endangers their populations. Many seabirds, fish, and turtles mistake plastic for prey and end up starving as their stomach fills with debris. This can also lead to infections and internal injuries that affect their ability to swim and survive. If these organisms are ingested by another, the plastic will continue to cycle through the food chain. It’s crucial to prevent these pollutants by disposing of them before they can be brought out to sea.
The residents and students here are fond of Maine and want to see it thrive during their lifetime and for future generations. Similarly, tourists share the interest of having access to clean, healthy beaches. Our efforts to have the people know that there is a funded active effort to keep the beaches clean, and putting in the effort to conserve the health and beauty of Maine’s beaches both to improve its quality and prevent any potential future harm and encourage the community to collaborate with this conservation effort. Maine will see a significant improvement in morale and a feeling of comfort knowing the beaches will still be in their best form when they come back to visit and will still be afterward.
