Video and photos HERE

MIAMI – Hundreds of volunteers joined Ocean Conservancy and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park today for the 40th International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest beach and waterway cleanup. Together, participants collected more than 220 pounds of trash at the cleanup, adding to a global effort that has inspired nearly 19 million volunteers over four decades to remove more than 400 million pounds of waste from coastlines and waterways worldwide since 1986.

“For 40 years, the International Coastal Cleanup has shown the power of people to drive global change, one piece of trash at a time,” said Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Conservation Cleanups, Allison Schutes. “Partnering with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee brings an incredible new energy to this movement, reminding us that whether you’re a fan, a player, or a volunteer, we all have a role in protecting the ocean that connects and sustains us.”

“FIFA World Cup 26™ is about more than the matches—it’s about leaving a legacy of pride and purpose for our community,” said Rodney Barreto, Co-Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee. “Partnering with Ocean Conservancy for the International Coastal Cleanup reflects that vision. Just as the World Cup unites the globe through sport, today’s cleanup unites Miami around protecting the ocean that defines our city and sustains our way of life.”

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental crises of our time, and Miami is on the frontlines. Miami-Dade County generates double the national average of waste per capita, 10.8 pounds daily compared to 5 pounds nationally. When in the ocean, plastic pollution threatens marine life including sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins and manatees. To date, more than 1,300 marine species have been documented ingesting plastics. Once in the environment, plastics never fully break down, instead fragmenting into microplastics. Microplastics are being found everywhere scientists look, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to mountain tops, and even on our dinner plates, showing up in proteins, salt, and even drinking water.

Earlier this year, Ocean Conservancy launched Protect Where We Play to unite fans, athletes, and artists in defense of the ocean that makes it all possible. With support from champions such as WNBA’s Napheesa Collier, NFL’s Kelvin Beachum, MLB’s Brent Suter and 2x Gold-medal Paralympian Ezra Frech, the initiative demonstrates that protecting the ocean also means protecting the future.

“Here in Florida, the ocean fuels our economy and shapes the way we live. But plastic pollution is putting all of that at risk,” said Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Ocean Conservancy’s Director of Florida conservation. “From sea turtles and manatees to fishing jobs and tourism, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The International Coastal Cleanup and this opportunity with FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee shine a spotlight on plastic pollution and give us the data we need to drive real change like we’ve seen with the balloon release ban and smoking bans on beaches and in parks across Florida.”

This year’s cleanup also contributes vital data to our understanding of the plastics crisis. Using the Clean Swell app, volunteers help build the world’s largest marine debris database, which has fueled policies like plastic bag bans, foam restrictions, and the Florida balloon release ban.

If you would like to interview one of Ocean Conservancy’s experts, please contact Roya Fox at [email protected] or 202.280.6285.

Photos and b-roll from the event can be found HERE.

The International Coastal Cleanup media kit with photos, b-roll and data can be found HERE.

You can find a two-pager with toplines from the 2024 ICC data HERE.

You can find the full 2024 ICC report HERE.

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY 

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.