About Operation S.P.L.A.S.H.
Stop Polluting, Littering, and Save Harbors
Operation SPLASH is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of Long Island’s south shore bays, waterways, and beaches. SPLASH members actively carry out this mission through marine debris cleanups, advocacy efforts, and STEM-based education programs for schools and universities. Since its founding in 1990, SPLASH members have removed more than three million pounds of trash from local waters and their work has influenced environmental legislation aimed at improving marine environments. Through intentional action and advocacy, SPLASH believes that the south shore can be preserved for wildlife and Long Islander’s alike to enjoy for generations to come.
We were founded in 1990 by one very determined woman named Joanne Grover. The story as told to us by maritime legend Al Grover Sr. goes something like this…
While home from college for the summer Joanne expressed to her family that she wanted to change the world for the better, and was adamant about doing so. Her dad said, ”why don’t you start in Freeport?” knowing that the local bays and canals were loaded with trash and need a good cleaning. And just like that, Operation SPLASH was born. Joanne started off with one leaky boat, an old motor, and a few other caring people, and the rest is history. Thirty-two years and three million pounds of trash later, Operation SPLASH is a leading environmental organization on Long Island all thanks to the vision and determination of one young woman and an ole ship captain.
Operation SPLASH is founded by Joanne Grover, who starts out collecting trash in a canoe with the goal of cleaning up the south shore bays.
SPLASH gets its first real cleanup boat.
SPLASH reports high asbestos runoff from Meadowbrook Parkway.
SPLASH collects its 1,000,000th pound of marine debris.
SPLASH Wantagh Chapter founded.
SPLASH builds Mill Road Debris Trap; wins environmental award.
2006 SPLASH builds Milburn Creek Debris Trap.
SPLASH Bay Park/East Rockaway Chapter founded.
SPLASH Massapequa Chapter founded and total debris removed reaches 2,000,000 pounds.
SPLASH Babylon Chapter founded.
Operation SPLASH volunteers collect 30,000 pounds of debris in three hours.
SPLASH volunteers collect 203,000 pounds after Superstorm Sandy, including 50 home heating oil tanks.
SPLASH gets storm drain filters installed to remove trash, chemicals, oil & asbestos.
SPLASH launches the Marine Preservation Environmental Education Program, teaching 2,000 students each year.
SPLASH helps Long Beach implement a ban on plastic bags.