MCS Beachwatch 2008 - 20th and 21st September

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) annual Beachwatch litter survey and clean-up takes place over the weekend of 20th and 21st September 2008, 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 2008 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.

Over 170 species of marine wildlife including seabirds, turtles and whales have been recorded mistaking marine litter for food resulting in starvation, poisoning and fatal stomach blockages. In addition, plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets injure, entangle and drown some of Britain's favourite marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins

MCS surveys have recorded a 96.5% 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.

Just under 4,000 volunteers took part in last year's MCS Beachwatch 2007 weekend, cleaning and surveying over 350 beaches and collecting over 2,700 bags of litter. Help make Beachwatch 2008 even bigger and support the MCS campaign to turn the tide on litter and tackle the problem at source!