On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the shores of FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus came alive with community spirit as students, families and volunteers gathered from 9 a.m. to noon for this year’s Coastal Cleanup event. The event, held in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup Day, brought attention to the importance of ocean conservation and the shared responsibility to protect marine life.
Dozens of volunteers of all ages grabbed gloves, buckets and trash bags as they scoured the coastline, collecting everything from plastic bottles and food wrappers. While the physical effort of removing litter was a major goal, organizers emphasized that the long-term mission is education and environmental stewardship.
“It’s vital for us to protect that coastline as it acts as a protection for the marine life when it comes to natural disasters,” said Erika Somoza, the program coordinator for the event. “By keeping it clean, we’re not just improving the beauty of our campus, we’re ensuring the survival of countless marine species who depend on these ecosystems.”
But for many participants, the event was more than just a cleanup, it was a call to action.
“Knowing that there is someone else not even involved with marine bio— I love to be educated, and I know I’m doing something for my community,” said Yessenia Rodriguez, a student at FIU. “Each time I walk by here, I see the amount of trash. That motivates me to keep coming back and do more.”
With sea levels rising and marine habitats increasingly threatened by pollution, events like Coastal Cleanup not only remove debris but foster environmental responsibility among youth and community members. Organizers hope that efforts like these will inspire ongoing engagement and environmental activism across South Florida and beyond.
