Litter levels on Northern Ireland’s beaches hit their worst levels since records began last year, according to a shocking new report.
The Marine Litter Report, carried out by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful since 2012, found that while some of it was dropped, lots is washing ashore.
And the levels more than doubled in 2021 compared with the previous year.
Read more: Plastic solutions help mould NI economy by saving it from landfill
On average, 762 items of litter were found per 100 metres of beach surveyed - up from 375 items in 2020.
In total, 36,587 items of litter were found on Northern Ireland’s twelve survey beaches throughout the year.
Some 81% of all litter recorded was plastic, which commonly includes drinks and fast food or snack packaging and lids.
And of the top 10 most recorded items, five were made of plastic and polystyrene, many of which were broken down into small pieces. Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA said: “Naturally, I am disappointed that the levels of litter recorded on our beautiful coastline increased during 2021.
“It is especially disappointing considering the downward trend which started back in 2018.
“I remain optimistic, however, that the coordinated approach my department has adopted, including forthcoming legislation to increase the maximum fixed penalty available to councils for litter offences to £200, will ultimately be successful and the blight of plastic pollution will one day be a thing of the past.
“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has removed litter from our environment and would encourage everyone not to litter; please leave no trace.”
Helen Tomb, from Live Here Love Here partnership, which is managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and which administers the marine litter grants, added: “Marine litter, particularly plastics, has an incredibly negative effect on animals and eventually on humans, as it proceeds up the food chain. We are proud to deliver the Marine Litter Capital Grants scheme for a second consecutive year. Funded by DAERA, it was extremely successful last year with a real mix of practical and creative entries. The overall aim is to prevent litter from reaching the marine environment, and as 80% of marine litter comes from land-based activities, grants are available for projects right across Northern Ireland.
“The deadline for applications is fast approaching, so we would strongly encourage those eligible to apply and help us to make Northern Ireland cleaner, greener and safer.”
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful encourages the public to take action, and do their part to help reduce these shocking new figures, by encouraging the public to apply for Live Here Love Here’s Marine Litter Capital Grants Scheme by 16 September 2022.
READ NEXT:
-
Watch: Behind the scenes with Rathlin Islanders helping endangered puffins
-
NI environment bosses failing own targets at 40% of 'protected' sites
-
Majority of Belfast people want more segregated cycle lanes on roads
-
Record NI temperature marked in global WMO report on escalating climate crisis
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
