Join Clean Ocean Access, 11th Hour Racing, and the City of Newport on Friday, April 21st at 10 a.m. for the launch of the 2nd season of the Newport Harbor Trash Skimmers at Perrotti Park (1 Long Wharf, Newport RI), immediately followed by a big announcement. The event is open the public and includes a tour of skimmer operations.
Guests are encouraged to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to be treated to hot coffee provided by Empire Tea & Coffee (all guests must bring their own mug).
The skimmers are a highly effective method for improving the health of Newport Harbor by removing floating surface debris, and collecting oil and toxins to improve water quality and overall ecosystem services. In their inaugural season in 2016, the skimmers removed over 6,000 pounds of debris.
The goal of the project is to reduce the amount of marine debris in the Newport harbor, increase the recreational value of the waterfront, bring awareness to the types of re-accumulating debris, and partner with the sailing and marine community to amplify the message of stewardship and environmental sustainability.