Grassy Key, FL… Make a difference for the marine environment and help clean up the Florida Keys by joining Dolphin Research Center (DRC) in a volunteer effort to collect discarded trash, monofilament fishing line, and other debris at the bridge over Toms Harbor Channel, mile marker 60.6, on Thursday, April 25thth from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. All participants should wear clothes, hats, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet or dirty. Be sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Dolphin Research Center will supply trash bags, gloves, and a water cooler. Participants will meet DRC staff and volunteers at the parking area on the south end of the bridge on the ocean side.
Discarded monofilament lines and all kinds of marine debris pose a huge threat to marine life. Over the years, Dolphin Research Center has rescued and treated manatees numerous times for monofilament entanglement injuries. Florida manatees, dolphins, turtles, birds, and other animals frequently become entangled in or ingest marine debris and can suffer life-threatening injuries. In an effort to keep more trash from entering the water, and to raise public awareness of the problem, Dolphin Research Center coordinates bridge clean-ups throughout the year.
