Adopt-a-Beach
Fishers Island has seen more than 45,059 pounds of marine debris removed from its shores, that’s roughly the weight of 15 compact cars! It’s a huge effort, but it also shows just how much continues to wash up along our coastline.
This isn’t a project with a finish line. Marine debris is a constant, and keeping up with it takes ongoing care from people who know and love these beaches.
Adopt-a-Beach is a way for the community to share that responsibility, one stretch of shoreline at a time.
Shout out to Christina and Elsa for their wonderful effort in making South Beach even more beautiful!
What is Adopt-a-Beach?
Adopt-a-Beach is a community-led cleanup program.
You choose a beach or section of shoreline and help keep it clear of debris throughout the season. There’s no schedule to follow and no minimum requirement, just a simple commitment to check in on your spot when you can.
Whether it’s your favorite beach, somewhere near your home, or a place you think could use more attention, it all makes a difference.
All cleanups are supported by our Marine Debris Coordinator, Michele Klimczak, who handles pickup, tracking, and proper disposal.
Why It Matters
Marine debris affects more than just how our beaches look.
It can harm wildlife, disrupt nesting areas, and impact the overall health of our coastal environment. With so much shoreline to cover, regular cleanups make a real difference over time.
When more people take part, more areas stay consistently cared for.
Make It a Team Effort
This is an easy way to get others involved.
Families, friends, neighbors, and summer groups can all adopt a beach together. Some people make it part of their weekly routine, others head out when they have time.
You can even come up with a team name and track what you collect.
At the end of the summer, the top three teams that remove the most debris will receive prizes.
This is an easy way to get others involved.
Families, friends, neighbors, and summer groups can all adopt a beach together. Some people make it part of their weekly routine, others head out when they have time.
You can even come up with a team name and track what you collect.
At the end of the summer, the top three teams that remove the most debris will receive prizes.
Every cleanup adds to a larger Island-wide effort.
Michele collects, weighs, and sorts everything that’s picked up. If you’d like, your team’s photo, beach, and total haul can be shared on social media and included in our monthly Marine Debris Cleanup reports.
It’s a way to see the collective impact build over the season.
Safety First
A quick check before you head out makes all the difference.
What to bring:
- Reusable or heavy-duty bags
- A container for sharp items like glass or metal
- A grabber tool if you have one
What to wear:
- Thick gloves
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long pants recommended
- Sun protection
Keep in mind:
- Carry debris bags away from your body
- Be cautious with sharp or hazardous materials
- Take your time and work safely
Ready to Get Started?
Pick a beach, bring a few people, and get started when you can.
Every bag collected helps keep Fishers Island’s shoreline cleaner, safer, and better protected.