Newport This Week — Clean Ocean Access Dissolution

Clean Ocean Access rebrand, announced Jan 2024, days before dissolution

Jan 8, 2024

Clean Ocean Access — Community Submission

Clean Ocean Access Dissolution

Middletown, RI – Clean Ocean Access (COA), a nonprofit organization with the vision of A Clean,
Healthy Ocean that is Accessible to All in its 10 year anniversary has made the difficult decision to
dissolve the organization.

Clean Ocean Access over the last 10 years; led various efforts to remove marine debris from the
shoreline through man power and technology, monitored access points and water quality,
implemented composting strategies for residents of Greater Newport, in school lunchrooms, at
community events and inspired the community as a whole, through extensive education on our
dynamic and ever-changing coastal environment.

Due to a lack of infrastructure needed to continue serving the community, the Clean Ocean Access
Board of Directors has made this decision to dissolve the organization. COA has enjoyed the last ten
years serving and educating the community of Greater Newport and Rhode Island as a whole.
Thank you to all of our ocean loving community of dedicated volunteers, interns and donors
throughout the years. Without you COA wouldn’t have been able to do the work we’ve accomplished
in this space over the years.

“I am deeply appreciative of every person that has made the work COA does possible over the years,
from our founder to each employee, volunteer, sponsor, board member and beyond. This was a
difficult decision but ultimately one that was necessary to prevent any compromise to our ability to
uphold our mission. The causes we supported still remain near and dear to me and many others and
I personally plan to find ways to continue that work. I want to say thank you to the entire
community and to anyone and everyone who has been a part of this journey.,” said Tricia Bielinski,
Board Member, COA.

About Clean Ocean Access

Clean Ocean Access is a nonprofit organization with the vision of A Clean, Healthy Ocean that is
Accessible to All. Since 2006, COA has worked to support a healthy coastal environment through
community science and engagement. COA is focused primarily on Aquidneck and Conanicut Islands,
with programs and partnerships extending across Rhode Island and the Northeast. The founding
programs of CLEAN, OCEAN, and ACCESS focus on eliminating marine debris, improving water
quality, and protecting and preserving shoreline access. Along with circular economy initiatives,
COA is grounded by its values and strives to achieve a vision through its mission to inspire and
educate the community to take action through environmentally responsible behaviors. For more
information, please visit www.cleanoceanaccess.org.