For this removal effort, the Center for Coastal Studies coordinated island residents, a student group from Cornell University, and artists who specialize in media including paint, sculpture, weaving, and photography featuring marine debris. The team came together and lived on Cuttyhunk Island for one week as they collected and processed the debris for reuse, recycling, or disposal.

In addition to the derelict fishing gear, the group collected dozens of bags of consumer debris including plastic bottles, balloons, bags, gloves, shoes, and other items. These materials were separated into categories and carefully counted to create a baseline data log of the debris in this location.

As Demi and partners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts (including Center for Coastal Studies) work to develop the Southern New England Marine Debris Action Plan, witnessing first hand the challenges these areas face and connecting directly with residents brings an important understanding of the necessary solutions. Collaboration between these diverse partners provided a new perspective on both the scale of the issue, and the value the items collected can still hold.