MIAMI (WSVN) - The City of Miami will temporarily close four spoil islands in Biscayne Bay ahead of Memorial Day weekend in an effort to prevent contamination and littering, officials said.

The islands affected by the closure, scheduled to go into effect on Friday, are Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Pace Picnic Island (also known as Teachers Island) and Willis Island, located between mainland Miami and Miami Beach.

The city said that the measure aims to evaluate and restore the natural beauty of the bay and its islands. Miami Police and the Parks and Recreation Department will collaborate to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of littering and will enforce existing laws.

All of these islands host recreational boaters who leave behind a plethora of garbage. It’s something Hayes Almand, head captain at Aqua Party Boat, knows all too well.

“It’s definitely a problem. You know, myself, I do beach cleanups at least twice a year,” he said.

Almand said his most recent cleanup was just two months ago, and the amount of trash they collected was scary.

“We collected every bit of about 400 pounds of trash within three hours, just from Picnic Island alone,” he added

After the measure goes into effect, the Marine Patrol unit will be implementing a zero-tolerance policy.

“Anyone that is seen trespassing will be subject to arrest,” said Kenia Fallat, communications director with the City of Miami.

The city’s decision follows commissioners’ enactment of the “Leave No Trace” legislation on March 14, which promotes responsible recreation and long-term environmental stewardship of Biscayne Bay’s delicate ecosystem.

“Think twice before you put anything in the water. Whether you’re at a park, whether you’re on the water, it all makes it way over to our bay,” said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez in a video posted by the city.

Boaters are advised to seek alternate destinations as the islands will remain closed until further notice.

Access restrictions and signage have been posted to ensure compliance.

“There is going to be plenty of signage. We have been giving people plenty of time to already plan for alternate destinations,” said Fallat.

Some boaters expressed their disappointment about the island closures.

“It’s truly unfortunate, ’cause it’s taking away from other boaters who try to respect the environment,” said boater Max Murillo.

Others, however, said they understand why the city is imposing these new limits.

“I’ve seen all you people going after Boca Bash or whatever, throwing your trash in the water, doing all this. Gallons, I’m talking gallons of trash,” said Connor Knowles, who has visited the spoil islands.

“Pick it up, man. It’s not that hard,” said a boater who identified herself as Jocelyn.

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