On September 6, 2025, Surfrider Kenai Peninsula will once again team up with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies to kick off CoastWalk, a month-long effort aimed at cleaning up Kachemak Bay and gathering critical data on marine debris. This event marks the second year the two organizations have partnered for this annual cleanup.
The CoastWalk program, which has been around since 1984, allows volunteers to get involved by walking sections of the beach and collecting data on marine life, bird species, and signs of human activity. The goal? To track changes along the coast and remove as much marine debris as possible. Over the years, this initiative has become one of the primary ways locals and visitors help preserve Alaska's dynamic shoreline.
What’s Happening at the Kickoff?
The CoastWalk Kickoff is just the beginning of a month-long series of cleanups and activities. The event is free and open to families, with a mix of food, fun, and — of course — an inaugural beach cleanup. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to get involved, learn more about the local environment, and pitch in to keep the bay clean.
While the event is centered around cleanup, it also serves as a chance for people to get informed about the ongoing challenges of marine debris and how it impacts local wildlife and ecosystems. Volunteers at the kickoff will help complete important surveys and data forms that track everything from debris types to biodiversity.
Why It Matters
The big reason behind CoastWalk is to monitor changes along Kachemak Bay’s coastline. Alaska’s shores are constantly shifting, whether it’s from natural forces or human activity. By walking the beach and taking detailed notes, volunteers contribute to the long-term health of this unique ecosystem. Plus, cleaning up trash as it accumulates helps prevent further harm to marine life.
In 2024, CoastWalk volunteers removed over 2,500 pounds of debris from the beaches. In total, 450 people participated in 22 cleanups, highlighting just how much work goes into keeping the coastline free from waste.
The Bigger Picture
Marine debris isn’t just about keeping beaches looking nice. It’s a real threat to wildlife, especially when it comes to plastic and fishing debris. Animals can mistake these items for food, which can lead to serious health issues. Pieces of plastic can also get tangled around animals, leading to injury or even death. And, as debris washes ashore, it can destroy important habitats for creatures that rely on these areas for shelter or breeding.
While many people might think of marine debris as an issue for places like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it’s just as much a problem along our own shores. Items like plastic bottles, foam containers, and discarded fishing gear can wreak havoc on local ecosystems. That’s why programs like CoastWalk are so crucial — they give everyone the chance to help monitor and address the issue.
What You Can Do
While the CoastWalk Kickoff is just one event, the cleanup stretches throughout the month, with multiple opportunities to get involved. Volunteers can sign up for specific beach zones, participate in cleanups, and help gather important data on what’s washing up on the shores of Kachemak Bay.
It’s easy to participate. Simply show up at the kickoff, grab a trash bag, and start cleaning. You’ll also help gather data on debris types, bird species, and more. If you’ve never done something like this before, it’s a great introduction to coastal monitoring — and a chance to be part of something bigger than just a one-time cleanup.
Wrapping Up
The 2025 CoastWalk is set to be another important chapter in the ongoing effort to protect Kachemak Bay. From the kickoff event on September 6 to the volunteer-driven cleanups throughout the month, this is a chance to get your hands dirty while making a real difference. It’s a simple way to help the environment — one bag of trash at a time.
So, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular CoastWalk participant, it’s time to lace up your boots, grab some friends, and help keep Alaska’s coastlines clean and healthy.