During September 2004, hundreds of thousands of water enthusiasts, divers and non-divers alike, met up to clean their local beach or local dive site. As you know, cleanups don't simply "happen". It takes months of preparation and hard work for everything to run smoothly. The International Clean Up day wouldn't be possible without cleanup co-ordinators like you. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and willingness to volunteer your time to this important cause. We do appreciate your contribution and your commitment to a clear marine environment.

Marine debris is more than an unsightly inconvenience, it is one of the world's most pervasive pollution problems affecting our oceans and inland waterways. Data collection is extremely important and your clean up results are precious. They have now been forwarded to the Ocean Conservancy and the Marine Conservation Society for analysis. The results will be published in their annual cleanup reports. This valuable information is an effective tool for education the public, business, industry, and government officials about the problem of marine debris. The International Cleanup Day is over bit thanks to your efforts to record everything collected during this event, you continue to contribute to influence public policy on waste management, prompt legislation, and convince individuals, organisations and communities to examine their waste handling practices.

Again thank you for organising a cleanup event as part of the Year 2004 Interantional Cleanup Day. Our deepest gratitude and sincerest thanks go to everyone involved.

Best regards

Professor David Bellamy OBE
Patron, Proect AWARE (UK)