Young community champion, Cooper Alexander, 12 is using his spare time to clean up Port Macquarie and protect for the environment.
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The year seven regional college student has taken part in the majority of Coastal Warriors - Mid North Coast monthly clean ups in Port Macquarie since their foundation in 2017.
During the events, volunteers give part of their weekend to travel to an area and clear it of rubbish.
Previous areas include Flynn’s Beach, Town Beach and Lake Cathie.
"I've only missed about three from Coastal Warriors... to me it makes me happy that plastics and rubbish are not going out into the Pacific (Ocean)," he said.
"Learning to recycle and not hurt marine life."
The young environmental dynamo said he was interested in doing marine studies during year 11 and 12 in high school at Newman College, before taking on marine biology at university.
"Marine life is amazing and we're finding new species every day."
"I think we need more people to support Sea Shepard, Coastal Warriors and respect the planet."
Coastal Warriors secretary Jess Macer said Cooper has been a constant volunteer at events since the group formed in July 2017.
"He's been a regular volunteer, very passionate about ocean and environment," she said.
"We have seen a shift to young people (attending the clean ups)... there's diversity with more young individuals to university students attending.
"There’s a good following up and down the coast.
“One of the main thing motivations is people love where they live, they are proud of their town.
"They like to go out on the water, beaches and park but also take on responsibilities to protect the environment."
Cooper's father Glen Alexander, who also attends the CW clean up days said his son had taken an interest in diving, swimming and environmental conservation from a young age.
"We've paddled out to Pelican Island on stand up paddle boards before to pick up the rubbish that gathers there," he said.
"When CW formed, we joined and still go to Pelican Island.
"Cooper has been brought up around ocean... if everyone had same respect for planet we would have half the problems."
"He has a huge appreciation of the ocean, anything he can do to help people and the ocean gives a real buzz."
Later this month, Cooper is expected to celebrate his birthday on February 27 at a screening of documentary feature film, ‘Beauty and the Reef’ at Majestic Cinema Port Macquarie.
The film by Lin Sutherland documents environmental changes affecting the Great Barrier Reef, which Cooper has previously visited on holiday.
Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast are expected to next meet for Clean Up Australia Day on March 3 at Town Beach.
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