A staggering 300 kilograms of litter has been removed from UK shorelines as part of a series of large-scale beach cleans organised by conservationists.
More than 100 dedicated volunteers came together for the mammoth clean-up organised by SEA LIFE to help protect marine wildlife by tackling pollution on land and beneath the waves. During the clean-up, volunteers uncovered a wide array of rubbish, ranging from everyday waste to bizarre and unexpected items.
The most common pollutants found were metal debris, plastic bags, drink cans, fishing wire, baby wipes, and disposable BBQs. Among the more unusual discoveries were an old 1980s Tango can, a toy pig affectionately nicknamed Paul, pairs of underwear, and a traffic cone.
In Arrochar, at Loch Lomond, SEA LIFE partnered with The Grab Trust and other local conservation groups to remove waste from the shoreline, where 40 volunteers collected bungee rope, plastic bags, and more hazardous materials.
Every year, more than one million marine animals die due to plastic and pollution in our oceans, with 80 per cent of pollutants linked to human activity.
According to SEA LIFE Trust, if current trends continue, by 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. In Weymouth, Dorset, volunteers received an unexpected observer as a curious seal swam along Chesil Beach, seemingly watching them as they worked.
Neil Harris, General Manager of SEA LIFE Brighton,said: “Removing 300 kilograms of rubbish is an enormous achievement that will make a big difference for local marine life. It’s heart-breaking to see creatures like seals, fish, and birds suffering because of human negligence, but these clean-ups are a crucial step in reversing the damage.
“We couldn’t have done it without our incredible volunteers, and we’re committed to keeping our oceans clean and safe. Beach cleans like these are vital, but we also recognise the importance of underwater cleans as pollution can lurk beneath the surface, out of sight but still threatening marine life.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.