Ultimately, we just don't have the people infrastructure to keep it going.”

Tricia Bielinski, Clean Ocean Access board member

PORTSMOUTH — Clean Ocean Access (COA), one of strongest environmental advocates for the local area and known by many for its countless number of volunteer-led shoreline cleanups, has made the difficult decision to dissolve after 10 years. 

The nonprofit with the vision of “A Clean, Healthy Ocean that is Accessible to All” also 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.

Tricia Bielinski, a COA board member, cited the organization’s high turnover rate and limited staff as the primary reason for the decision.

“Our director of the board resigned suddenly without notice last summer along with another board member, and it was small to begin with. On a staff level, a similar theme. Ultimately, we just don't have the people infrastructure to keep it going,” Bielinski said in an e-mail to The Portsmouth Times on Tuesday.

She said COA has enjoyed the last 10 years serving and educating the community, and thanked all the “ocean-loving” community of dedicated volunteers, interns and donors, without whom COA wouldn’t have been able to do the work it’s accomplished.

"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,” she said. “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.

Bielinski said she’s been having conversations with several of COA’s partner organizations or those that are similarly aligned. 

“I do believe much of COA’s mission will continue through other means, which is the best we can wish for at this time,” she said.