Mississippi Aquarium to host community beach cleanup

Volunteers needed for April 25 event along the Mississippi Coast

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:09pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus scene of beachgoers and volunteers cleaning up litter along the shoreline, with soft pools of warm, golden light and muted blues and greens creating an atmospheric, meditative mood.The Mississippi Aquarium's community beach cleanup event aims to engage volunteers in protecting the local coastal environment through hands-on stewardship.Mississippi State Today

The Mississippi Aquarium is inviting volunteers to take part in a community beach cleanup later this month along the Mississippi Coast. The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 8 to 10 a.m. and is being held in partnership with the Mississippi State University Extension Office's Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program.

Why it matters

The aquarium's past cleanup efforts have already removed over 100 pounds of trash from local beaches, including more than 500 fireworks. This event aims to further improve the health of the coastal environment through community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The details

Organizers said volunteers have already removed more than 100 pounds of trash from a local beach through past cleanup efforts, including more than 500 fireworks. Supplies for the cleanup will be provided, and the aquarium is asking participants to sign up in advance through its website. Additional volunteer opportunities are also listed online.

  • The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 8 to 10 a.m.

The players

Mississippi Aquarium

A public aquarium located in Gulfport, Mississippi that is hosting the community beach cleanup event.

Mississippi State University Extension Office

A partner organization that is collaborating with the Mississippi Aquarium on the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program.

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What’s next

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance through the Mississippi Aquarium's website to participate in the beach cleanup event.

The takeaway

This community beach cleanup organized by the Mississippi Aquarium is an opportunity for local residents to come together and help improve the health of the coastal environment through hands-on environmental stewardship.