Trash Skimmers to be Installed in Newport Harbor Aug. 2

NEWPORT, RI—For years, Clean Ocean Access and devoted volunteers have been making Narragansett Bay and Newport's coastline cleaner by picking up garbage and debris from the shore.

Now, a new project will help the nonprofit do even more to remove waste from the sea and it won't require volunteers to pluck items one-by-one.

A pair of trash skimmers that will collect debris from within the water are about to be installed in the waters off Perrotti Park thanks to Clean Ocean Access' ongoing efforts and a major donation by 11th Hour Racing.

A ceremony marking the occasion as the skimmers are installed is scheduled for Aug. 2.

In a news release, Clean Ocean Access' Dave McLaughlin said that the project will strengthen and expand their efforts to improve water quality and remove marine debris from Newport Harbor.

"This is positioned to be a highly effective method for improving the health of Newport Harbor, the sailing capital of the world, a body of water that is used by thousands of residents and a community that is visited by an estimated 3.5 million visitors per year," the release stated. "The goal of the project is to reduce the amount of marine debris in the Newport harbor, increase the recreational value of the waterfront, bring awareness to the types of re-accumulating debris, and promote environmental stewardship."

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Perrotti Park is located at 1 Long Wharf in Newport.

For more information, visit visitors. For more information about Clean Ocean Access, visit their website.