DATELINE :- 23rd May 2000
BEACHWATCH
Litter up, sewage down
Coastal litter levels have almost doubled since 1993. And figures for 1999, while 2.2 per cent down on those recorded in 1998, still represent an "unacceptably high" level of litter on Britain's beaches.
So says the Beachwatch 99 report, published by the Marine Conservation Society. The report records results of the MCS's marine litter survey and clean-up run in September last year, when 1686 volunteers retrieved some 11.5 tonnes of rubbish from 171 beaches around the country.
The MCS says high levels of plastics were particularly regrettable, as "the major hazard faced by marine animals".
However, there's good news on sewage-related pollution. In its latest Good Beach Guide 2000, the MCS reports that, around the country, there are "more clean beaches to choose from than ever before".
The number of beaches that failed water quality standards had "decreased significantly" over the previous year. Improvements included previously highly contaminated areas such as northern England and Scotland, such that the MCS can now recommend beaches in the North West for the first time.
Both the Beachwatch 99 report and Good Beach Guide 2000 can be obtained from the MCS on 01989 566017, or go to www.mcsuk.org
A brochure, The Guide to Underwater Clean-ups, is also available.