Matagorda Beach Major Cleanup
Most people are unaware that the Gulf of Mexico has one of the highest concentrations of marine trash on the planet. Most people have heard of the Giant Pacific Garbage Patch, but did you know that the Gulf of Mexico has more trash per cubic foot?
Tropical Maniacs are tired of talking and complaining about the problem. The time for action is now and we intend to get it done! Our current beach cleanups do help, but we are barely making a dent due to the magnitude of the problem. We believe we have a cost effective solution that is scalable and will make a noticeable impact on the amount of trash on our beaches and in the Gulf of Mexico. The cheapest way to remove trash from the ocean is to collect and dispose of it when it is onshore.
We are currently working on raising funds to purchase equipment for mass removal of trash on Matagorda County beaches. We think this will be the only major mechanized cleaning operation run by a non-profit in Texas.
Project Goals
- Remove 42,000 cubic feet of trash/debris per year from Matagorda County beaches while conducting operations that promote beach wildlife conservation.
- Improve and protect coastal marine life habitats, with an emphasis on birds and sea turtles, through the removal of harmful debris.
- Prevent trash from entering the ocean and remove marine debris before it re-enters the Gulf of Mexico.
- Improve local economy by improving and beautifying the largest tourist attraction in Matagorda County.
- Establish a roadmap for the future that will guide similar organizations to tackle beach clean-up and conservation efforts in their own areas.
Estimated Budget
| Upfront Equipment Costs | |
| Description | Amount |
| Barber 600HD Surf Rake | $62,660.00 |
| Tractor | $60,000.00 |
| Total | $122,660.00 |
| Ongoing Annual Costs | |
| Description | Amount |
| Equipment Maintenance | 4,000.00 |
| Dumpster Costs | 10,800.00 |
| Fuel | 4,000.00 |
| Total | $18,800.00 |
Completed Projects
Beach Road Beautification Project – Median Improvement
As part of our Beach Road Beautification Project, the foundation funded and volunteers installed 30 Mexican Palm Trees in the median on the beach access road in Matagorda, TX. The project was permitted through LCRA. Volunteers continue to trim and water the trees as needed until they are fully established.
