There is new way to contribute to the understanding of marine debris (trash/litter) distribution by using your phone! The Ocean Conservancy has launched an app called Clean Swell which allows individuals to catalog trash encountered and cleaned up on a favorite beach or stretch of waterfront on their own. Clean Swell app users are able to record types and quantities of trash collected and instantly send the data to the Ocean Conservancy’s global ocean trash database.

The data collected through this app will go toward helping scientists and policy-makers better understand the problem posed by trash in our waterways. The app also allows users to track their cleanup history and share their progress/achievements on social media outlets. The next time you encounter and remove trash from our local waters, please consider using Clean Swell to document and share this valuable information!