Publix Super Markets observed World Ocean Day on June 8, recognizing the importance of oceans and the shared responsibility to protect them.
The day served as a reminder of the impact that stewardship and sustainable practices can have on preserving ocean health for future generations.
Marine debris continues to threaten Florida’s waterways and marine life, damaging critical habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds and posing risks to animals through injury and entanglement. Much of this debris originates from land-based sources, carried by wind, rivers and stormwater runoff.
Adding to the problem is the large amount of abandoned fishing lines, hooks, nets and traps that litter Florida’s reefs and piers.
Supporting FORCE BLUE and National Park Foundation
Supporting marine debris removal efforts with FORCE BLUE and the National Park Foundation (NPF) is one of the ways Publix is working to protect ocean ecosystems.
Since 2024, donations made by customers and associates in Florida through the company’s Good Together environmental campaign have facilitated the removal of marine debris and supported other efforts focused on protecting Florida’s waterways and coastlines.
Measurable impact
FORCE BLUE and NPF have used the funding to remove more than 20,000 pounds of harmful marine debris, including discarded fishing gear, ropes, fishing line, various litter and an abandoned vessel.
Other efforts Publix has supported include funding FORCE BLUE’s Quick Reaction Force, which allows the organization to respond to environmental emergencies affecting Florida’s coastal and marine environments.
In addition, Publix has supported various coral reef restoration efforts through the National Park Foundation for the past four years.
Through these projects, storm-damaged corals have been restored, diseased corals have received treatment, coral fragments have been transplanted and more than 36,000 pounds of marine debris have been removed from waterways and coastlines in Florida’s coastal national parks.
Total impact
In total, more than 56,000 pounds of marine debris have been removed from Florida’s waterways and coastlines through Publix’s collective support.
These efforts help protect Florida’s coral reefs, waterways and coastlines – benefiting marine wildlife while keeping beaches and coastal waters safer for communities.
About Publix
Publix is privately owned and operated by its more than 250,000 employees, with 1,419 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 28 consecutive years, it has been named one of Fortune‘s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”