Beachwatch - Help Turn the Tide on Litter

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. YOU can help MCS protect our seas, shores and wildlife from damaging and unsightly litter by taking part in Beachwatch 2007 at a beach near you!

Beach litter is more than just an eyesore for thousands of beach visitors across the country; it’s a global issue that represents a major threat to many vulnerable marine animals.

Globally, an estimated million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement in litter, or ingestion of plastics.

MCS surveys have recorded a 90% increase in the amount of beach litter since 1994, identifying beach visitors and individuals, fishing, sanitary waste (particularly cotton bud sticks) and shipping waste as the major sources.

Over 4,200 volunteers took part in last year’s MCS Beachwatch 2006 weekend, cleaning and surveying over 350 beaches and collecting over 3,000 bags of litter. Help make Beachwatch 2007 even bigger and support the MCS campaign to turn the tide on litter and tackle the problem at source.

Register on line now at: http://www.adoptabeach.org.uk/ or telephone the MCS litter team on 01989 567807.

Beachwatch 2007 is supported by The Crown Estate.