Washed Ashore

Lidia the Seal

Henry the Giant Fish

Not long ago I wrote about the alarming problem our oceans face when it comes to marine debris and the work of Chris Jordan to document this problem. As luck may have it, I ran across another group tackling this issue today, based right here in downtown Bandon, OR. The Washed Ashore Project uses the medium of art to raise awareness about plastic marine debris while encouraging others to “reduce, refuse, reuse, and recycle.” As communities engage in beach clean-up efforts, the refuse collected from beaches is transformed into art supplies used to model the environments and creatures most affected by plastic pollution. This “art to save the sea” is a fascinating way to engage folks both young and old in creative and thoughtful action. Although the initiative is based in Oregon, project leaders are excited to work with others to start similar local efforts throughout the world. A curriculum guide and feature film is currently being developed for those that might be interested. How cool would it be to develop a whole series of plastic art seabirds in celebration of the impressive work of COASSTers! What would be first? Common Murre? Immature Gull? Brown Pelican?