9:48am Thursday 10th April 2008
By Harry Walton
PLASTIC found on Dorset beaches is at its highest level since records began, a survey revealed today.
The Marine Conservation Society Beachwatch 2007 report shows how the amount of plastic beach litter has risen by 126 per cent since the annual survey began in 1994 with plastic debris such as bags and drink bottles now accounting for more than half of all litter found on UK beaches including those in Dorset.
The MCS said that plastic-based cigarette butts are also among the most frequently encountered litter items.
Plastic also takes a grim toll of wildlife with 170 marine species from seabirds to turtles recorded as mistaking marine litter for food, resulting in starvation, poisoning and fatal stomach blockages. Injury and death among creatures such as seals and dolphins can also be blamed on plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets entangling victims.
Emma Snowden, MCS litter projects co-ordinator, said Dorset's was typical of the national picture over the last 10 years with plastic drink bottle finds up more than two-thirds, plastic bags by more than a half and cigarette butts up nearly a half.
Overall report data was collected by nearly 4,000 volunteers on 354 beaches surveyed nationally in mid-September 2007 including 63 volunteers on nine Dorset beaches who covered more than two miles of coastline.
Four key sources of beach litter were identified with 35.3 per cent coming from recreational and beach visitors, 13.7 per cent from fishing litter, 6.1 per cent from sewage-related debris or sanitary waste and 1.8 per cent from shipping litter.
Ms Snowden said: "Everyone can help prevent some common plastic items littering our beaches and seas by reducing their use.
"By taking simple steps such as taking reusable bags to the supermarket, refilling plastic bottles with good old-fashioned tap water and disposing of litter responsibly, including cigarette butts, we can all make a difference."
MSC promotes the Go Plastic Bag Free initiative and has more than 70 UK towns and communities signed up to the campaign.
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