Beach litter comes from different sources: 40.4% from the public; 13.9% fishing debris like nets, ropes and buoys; 4.5% sewage related debris (something to remember when you flush a cotton bud down the loo); 3.9% is rubbish from ships; 0.7% fly-tipped waste and 0.2% medical. Non-sourced waste, as in litter the MCS cannot identify, accounts for 36.3% of that found on beaches.
Some of our best-loved marine wildlife is under threat from the waste and litter in our seas, with hundreds of species accidentally eating or becoming entangled in litter. Litter on our beaches is also hazardous to people so we all have a part to play in turning the tide on litter.
To find out how you can get involved, register your interest on the Beachwatch Big Weekend website. Or find out about one of the beach cleaning or surveying events taking place near you here.