MCS Beachwatch 2007
Beaches Everywhere Are Calling for your Help!!
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) annual Beachwatch litter survey and clean-up takes place over the weekend of 15th – 16th September 2007, on beaches all over the UK. MCS is calling for volunteers to help wildlife by spending a couple of hours at a local beach to tackle the problem of beach litter and make this year’s event the biggest ever!!
Beach litter is more than just an eyesore for thousands of beach visitors across the country; it is a global issue that represents a major threat to many vulnerable marine species.
It is estimated that, globally, over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics.
MCS surveys have recorded a 90% increase in the amount of beach litter compared to 1994, with major sources being beach visitors and individuals, fishing debris, sanitary waste (particularly cotton bud sticks) and shipping waste.
The MCS Beachwatch event provides a simple and effective way in which everyone can help tackle the relentless tide of rubbish on our beaches and at sea.
Emma Snowden, MCS Litter Projects Co-ordinator says, ”This is YOUR chance to get involved with the biggest litter clean-up and survey on beaches all around the UK. The data YOU collect will help MCS tackle the sources of litter and campaign to reduce the most common items ending up on our beaches and killing wildlife”.
Over 4,200 volunteers took part during last year’s MCS Beachwatch 2006 weekend, cleaning and surveying over 350 beaches and collecting over 3,000 bags of litter - a clear sign that beach litter is a major issue and is important to the UK public. The survey recorded an average of 1,989 items per kilometre on UK beaches, which equates to nearly two items for every metre stretch of beach!
Sadly, individual people and beach visitors contribute approximately a third (34%) of all litter found, highlighting the fact that if people would just take their litter home with them after each trip to the beach, they would be doing something positive to help the marine environment.
We all need to take action for environmental protection. MCS is campaigning for the Government to play their part by introducing a Marine Bill next year. Meanwhile you can play your part for our seas by taking part in Beachwatch.
Register online at: http://www.adoptabeach.org.uk or telephone the litter team on 01989 567807.
Page last modified: 30th Oct 2007 - 10:19:17