National Coastweek
National Coastweek is an opportunity to celebrate our coastal resources. Every autumn events are held around the country to celebrate the vibrancy of our coastal communities and beauty of our coastal resources. From clean-ups to nature walks to boating events, National Coastweek provides an ocean of opportunity to join other coastal enthusiasts to explore life on the edge – where land meets water and fragile ecosystems hang in the balance.
In 2004, National Coastweek is being coordinated by the Coastal States Organization in conjunction with NOAA’s National Ocean Service, state Coastweek and Coast Day observances and in partnership with a variety of federal government agencies and national coastal and ocean organizations. National Coastweek 2004 will be held September 18-25, starting with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, and culminating with National Estuary Day.
Why celebrate National Coastweek?
The coasts are an integral part of our nation’s life and lifeblood: more than 50 percent of the U.S. population lives in the coastal region. One-third of U.S. jobs can be directly or indirectly tied to the coast. The nation’s 190 seaports handle more than 2 billion tons of goods per year. Every year, approximately 180 million vacationers visit our coasts. Coastal economies annually pour $1.5 trillion into the U.S. economy. National Coastweek is time to celebrate our coasts and learn about the environmental, economic, and scientific resources that make the region such a valuable and enjoyable asset.
Where is it celebrated?
Many states and local communities host Coast Day and Coastweek activities – from Maine to California, on the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Communities from all 50 states participate in The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, a popular Coastweek activity traditionally held on the third Saturday of September.
Who can participate?
Everyone! National Coastweek activities are for everyone who loves the coast. Individuals or groups can join or host their own nature hikes, educational seminars, canoe and kayak events, clean-ups, oral history sessions, seafood festivals, and more!
Event planning suggestions. Plan your own National Coastweek events! Look here for activity suggestions, sample materials, and other ideas!
Coastweek history
Coastweek began in 1982 when Barbara Fegan, a volunteer dedicated to coastal awareness, created an educational program with a few events in Massachusetts. Over the years the Coastweek celebrations have spread to states and territories with Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico shorelines, with some state observances spanning up to four weeks.