Beach clean reveals plastic as most common pollutant

More than 2,000 items were collected by volunteers who braved the cold to take part in a beach clean at Friars Cliff, Christchurch.

It was found that pieces of plastic larger than one centimeter in diameter were the most common item with 344 being collected.  These are of particular concern because plastics never wholly break down and could persist in the marine environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Crisp and sweet wrappers came next, with 286 being picked up, and pieces of rope, at 149 items, came in third.

Abi Meharg, Beaches and Open Spaces Officer at Christchurch Council, who organised the beach clean, said: “…We had fewer volunteers this time than the last two beach cleans we did in September and April, so we only covered about a third of a kilometre compared to a kilometre on previous occasions.

“Considering the smaller distance, we actually collected more items this time. Many of them would have been washed up by the sea but it’s sad that much of what was found must have been dropped by visitors to the beach.”

The Marine Conservation Society, who organise the annual Beachwatch programme, estimate that around 35% of litter found on beaches comes from recreational and beach visitors.

Abi Meharg added: “We would like to thank all of the volunteers who came to the beach clean for their contribution.”

The next beach clean at Friars Cliff will be on Sunday 26 April as part of the Great Dorset Beach Clean.