Operation SPLASH (Stop Polluting Littering and Save Harbors) is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which began with the vision of one woman with one boat 35 years ago and now has eight boats and its own headquarters in Freeport. It is dedicated to protecting the waterways, shorelines, and marine life along the South Shore of Long Island with marine debris cleanups, educational programs, and environmental advocacy. Volunteer captains and crews cover over 33 miles of waterways and shorelines with six boats based in East Rockaway, Freeport, Wantagh, Massapequa, and Babylon. Going out nearly daily from April into November, these boats have have collected over 3,000,000 pounds of debris, with over 107,000 pounds in 2024 alone. Operation SPLASH has also been a tireless advocate for improvements in the island’s wastewater treatment and storm drainage systems working with local, state, and federal leadership to secure financing, legislation, and agency approvals. Using two additional boats and its classroom, Operation SPLASH also has robust educational and fishing programs which provide valuable learning experiences for students from grade 2 through adult about the marine ecosystem, sustainability, and our responsibility to protect and preserve the costal environment for generations to come. Operation SPLASH welcomes new members and has monthly membership meetings at its headquarters. You can learn more by visiting its website www.operationsplash.org.
