Clean Ocean Action

10/15/2026

📣 You asked, we listened! The Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders (SEAL) program helps high school students build leadership skills and take action on local environmental issues — and applications for the new year have been extended through Tuesday, October 20!

Are YOU a high school student passionate about the environment and ready to make a difference? Students meet twice a month from October to May in Long Branch to explore how change happens and how to be part of it. The best part of it? The program is FREE! 🌎

📝 Complete the interest form at CleanOceanAction.org/seal-interest and respond to the confirmation email to finalize your application!

❓Questions? Email Kristen at [email protected]!

10/11/2026

🪣 LEND A HAND AT BEACH SWEEPS!

Looking to make a difference for our coast and ocean? We're two weeks away from our statewide Beach Sweeps, and there's still time to register online as individuals, groups, and families!

The sites below have low attendance numbers and can benefit from more volunteers!

📍 Essex County
~ Glen Ridge, Toney's Brook

📍 Monmouth County
~ Deal, Hathaway Ave
~ Belmar, L St
~ Loch Arbour/Allenhurst, Euclid Ave

📍 Ocean County
~ Seaside Park, Midway Beach
~ Seaside Park, Stockton Ave

Join COA on Saturday, October 24, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM at 80+ beaches across New Jersey (except Delaware River locations). Every second spent Sweeping the beaches makes a difference!

📝 Register today in your preferred language:
English: CleanOceanAction.org/register
Español: CleanOceanAction.org/registro
Português: CleanOceanAction.org/cadastro

10/08/2026

🌊 Thank you, NJ Senator Bob Smith, for your dedication and leadership in protecting our environment and public health through your bill, S.4656, the Protect Our Health From Plastics Act!

⏳ Today, Senator Smith noted that advocates have been pushing for stronger plastic pollution legislation for FOUR years, yet action continues to be delayed. He also raised concerns about the growing presence of microplastics in our bodies, saying that if scientists measured the amount in people’s blood four years ago and compared it with levels today, the amount of microplastics would be higher.

📣 Clearly, the time to act is now. Stay tuned to learn how YOU can get involved and help push this critical bill forward!

Environment New Jersey

10/08/2026

🌊🌊

NJCCC was happy to welcome the NJDEP and Clean Ocean Action at its Fall Litter Summit and Awards Ceremony in Manahawkin. (L-R): NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden, NJCCC Chair Linda Doherty, DEP Director Seth Hackman and Cindy Zipf Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action

10/08/2026

We're still waiting for the best waves to host the 2026 Surf Open tournament. 🌊🏄

Thank you for your patience as we continue to monitor conditions! Going forward, Surf Open updates will only be announced if the tournament date is confirmed. Otherwise, keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook stories and follow for the latest updates and conditions.

The waves will let us know when it's surf time, so stay tuned!

10/07/2026

Here are a few more moments from Harvest Hope for the Ocean! 🌊🍂

🌅 We’re still feeling grateful for everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, and supported this special evening! Photos from the evening are now available on our website: visit the link in our bio to view the full gallery! 📸

10/07/2026

On the morning of October 7, 2026, members of the public reported two live stranded juvenile humpback whales to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. The whales are offshore of Fire Island National Seashore in New York.

At this time, responders are working on plans to provide supportive care and assess the whales’ health. Responders and law enforcement are on site and will continue to monitor the whales.
There are also several other humpback whales in the area, which are also being monitored.

We ask members of the public to keep a safe distance from these whales on land, in the water, and by air. If the whales are unable to refloat with the next high tide, we will reassess and consider all available options.

We appreciate the support and coordination of our partners, including:
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Village Of Saltaire
Fire Island National Seashore
NOAA Fisheries New England/Mid-Atlantic

We will provide further updates as they are available.

All dolphins, porpoises, and whales are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding, or otherwise harming these animals illegal. The best way to assist these animals, and keep them and yourself safe, is by calling trained responders and maintaining a 150-foot distance. To report strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in NYS, call the NYS Stranding Hotline: 631-369-9829. To report strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in the northeast, call NOAA’s stranding hotline to be directed to a trained responder in your area: 866-755-6622.

Photo credit: National Parks Service

10/05/2026

Waves of thanks to all of the incredible sponsors supporting the 2026 Clean Ocean Action Surf Open! 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

Your generosity and commitment help make the event possible!

🌊 Thank you again to our sponsors, surfers, spectators, volunteers, and supporters for your patience and continued support as we wait for the best conditions! We can’t wait to get everyone back on the beach to catch some waves!