Registration is open for anyone wishing to participate in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), taking place Saturday, Sept. 17 on dozens of beaches along the outer coast, the Olympic Peninsula and on the beaches of Puget Sound.

Trash found during the cleanup is counted and included in an annual index of global marine debris, to be released in 2017. Last year, nearly 800,000 volunteers collected more than 18 million pounds of trash from shorelines around the world, according to a press release. The data gathered at ICC events provides information that can inform policy solutions and identify target areas where preventive solutions would make the biggest difference.

ICC events also raise awareness of the pervasive marine debris issue, and bring together people and organizations that care about the health of our waterways. The annual cleanup is a global cleanup effort organized by the Ocean Conservancy each September; Washington CoastSavers and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance serve as local cleanup coordinators in Washington state.

“Washington State Parks appreciates the hundreds of volunteers who turn out every year for the coastal cleanup,” said Don Hoch, Washington State Parks director. “Our Washington ocean beaches are a treasure, and it’s great to have people working together to keep the beach safe and clean for all to enjoy.”

To find a cleanup location on Puget Sound, visit pugetsoundkeeper.org/events or contact Kathryn Davis at kathryn@pugetsoundkeeper.org for help organizing a cleanup event.

To participate in the International Coastal Cleanup on the outer coast, visit coastsavers.org to find information about how to register, what beaches are to be cleaned, where to camp and special offers for cleanup volunteers.