Gulf Shores Beach
22 October, 2016
- Team Leader
- Paul Maliska
- Number of Participants
- 26
- Total Debris Collected
- 11.5 lbs (measured)
30.245885082205398, -87.69058220390434
Survey Information
- Location Name
- Gulf Shores Beach
- Organization/Dive Centre
- City of Gulf Shores
- City
- Gulf Shores
- Country
- United States
- Date
- 22 October, 2016
- Survey Duration
- 44 Minutes
- GPS Coordinates
- Latitude: 30.245885082205398
Longitude: -87.69058220390434
- Weather Conditions
-
Random thunderstorms within the Gulf of Mexico and general area. Winds from the south caused high surf conditions.
- Survey Depth Range
- 5–22 feet
- Area Surveyed
- 9935 ft2
- Dominant Substrate
- sand
- Ecosystem
- No ecosystem in the area
- Wave Conditions
- Smooth (wavelets) for waves 0.1 - 0.5 meter high
Survey Photos
Debris Items Collected
| plastic materials collected | |
|---|---|
| Cups, Plates, Forks, Knives, Spoons (plastic) | 1 |
| SCUBA & Snorkel Gear-masks, Snorkels, Fins | 5 |
| Cigarette Filters | 13 |
| metal materials collected | |
|---|---|
| Beverage Cans (aluminium) | 3 |
| Fishing: Sinkers, Lures, Hooks | 3 |
| rubber materials collected | |
|---|---|
| Rubber Bands | 7 |
| cloth materials collected | |
|---|---|
| Cloth Fragments | 3 |
| paper materials collected | |
|---|---|
| Paper, Cardboard Fragments | 1 |
| mixed materials collected | |
|---|---|
| Clothing | 7 |
| Toys | 2 |
Additional Information
The most unusual item found was a store bought shell that still had a price tag on it. The shell contained a live inhabitant (snail). The price tag was removed and the shell with its inhabitant was returned to the water. Crabs were also discovered in several items. They too were returned to the water unharmed.
Plastic beach toys - Beach toys are routinely left on the beach near the water's edge. Wind, surf, and tides take them out into the water.
Aluminum beer cans - Our beach is a popular spring break and summer vacation location. Many individuals take their drinks out into the water and sometimes sink them when done. Empty cans are also left on the beach which usually end up in the water.
Glass bottles - Glass usually ends up in the water due to individual failing to properly dispose of it.
Comments and Feedback
The search area was broken down into search zones where the divers conducted their cleanup efforts. The weather conditions for the dive were superb. Winds from the North kept the waves down and visibility was 10+ feet. Water temperature was at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Air temp was much lower due to the wind. A dive shop with many individuals from Illinois came down to participate in this event. We had great volunteer support from individuals in the community along with support from various businesses.
