For 41 years, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies in Homer has hosted an annual cleanup effort on Kachemak Bay beaches, created by locals concerned about the changes they witnessed along shorelines in the area.
Fittingly named “CoastWalk,” the event also allows the organization to collect data on marine debris, creating a data set that stretches all the way back to its start in 1984. This year’s data collection will include the CoastWalk Data Sheet, the Biodiversity Survey, the Alaska-Specific Marine Debris Form, and the Ocean Marine Debris Form.
In 2024, the community effort had 450 volunteers aid in 22 cleanup events that resulted in the removal of more than 2,500 pounds of debris from Kachemak Bay’s beaches.
CoastWalk 2025 will begin Sept. 6 at the Kachemak Bay Water Trail Pavilion with an official kickoff event from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature representatives from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies as well as their CoastWalk partner, Surfrider Kenai Peninsula, and will offer the opportunity for community members to adopt CoastWalk Zones, sign up for cleanups across Kachemak Bay, and celebrate the end of summer by giving our beaches some love.
Additional activities for the Sept. 6 event will include a “Kickoff Cookout,” marine debris crafts, marine debris lawn games, and a beach cleanup on the Spit. The event is free and family friendly.
CoastWalk 2025 will continue throughout the month of September with volunteer days, data collection, field trips with local schools, and events focused on raising awareness about the problems marine debris poses.
To learn more about CoastWalk and the marine debris problem, you can visit akcoastalstudies.org/coastwalk.
