We would like to thank everyone who volunteered during the 1997 Okinawa Cleanup Yuimaru Campaign. There were many people who contributed to the success of the island wide coastal cleanup, and without your support it could not have been done. One of our strongest accomplishments of 1997 was the completion of this report, which is our first full Prefecture report during the six years we have been coordinators for the International Coastal Cleanup here on Okinawa. It was also the first year that we had a major joint effort with PADI Japan, which brought many divers into this year's cleanup at several different underwater sites. We again received the full support of the Prefecture, the Okinawa Convention and Tourist Bureau, and the 11th Maritime Japan Coast Guard. Hundreds of military personnel joined our efforts, including full support from all Marine Corps bases on the island. We extended our cleanup efforts again to reach more of the outer islands, making strong connections with Tokashiki island, Kume island, and Ishigaki. We hope the growing support will make the 1998 cleanup even bigger.
One of our goals for 1998 is to collect 10,000 signatures here on Okinawa for the United Nation's "Year of the Ocean" sponsored Ocean Charter. It is a personal promise to take better care of our oceans, and is being used to create more awareness about marine pollution. We would especially like to thank local artist, Naka Bokunen, for providing his talents for the beautiful art work done on the Ocean Charter, making it a true collector's item. We would like to thank Kazuyuki Matsumura, President of Okinawa Airport Service, for his personal contribution, which made it possible to publish this report. We also thank the many corporations and individuals in the past, including Okinawa Denryoku, Coconut moon, and its owner Kiyomasa Higa whose contributions helped to make the Okinawa International Clean Beach Club's monthly cleanups and special projects a success.
Once again, to the beach captains, volunteers, and Clean Beach Club members; our sincere gratitude...and good luck in 1998 "international Year of the Ocean."
Edo Heinrich-Sanchez
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Kenny Ehman
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