MCS Beachwatch Organisers’ Celebration Event
The first MCS Celebration event for Beachwatch Organisers happened on Zoom on Monday 28th April, hosted by Claire Trotman,Beachwatch Officer. This was essentially a “thank you” from National MCS to all the people around the country who organise beach cleans/ cleans around estuaries etc. It was good to put faces to names and to see the enthusiasm which the staff at National MCS have for their work. Beachwatch is 30 years old and is a great example of Citizen Science.
The speakers emphasised the value of the data collected through our beach cleans and surveys which is used to inform campaigning for changes in legislation. Here is how it works:
- The data is analysed by Greg Wannell, MCS data analyst.
- Reports are created which are used for briefings to politicians from our parliaments (not Tynwald).
- Government launches a consultation and uses the data to demonstrate the need for change and new legislation.
Examples of changes which have been influenced by MCS data include:
- Removal of plastic from wet wipes (effective from June this year I believe)
- Charge for plastic bags which has resulted in a huge reduction in use.
- Deposit return scheme for bottles .
- Ban on disposable vapes -from 1st June this year.
Feedback to government is also very important when these changes make a positive difference. This can include inviting MP’s and local councillors to take part in a beach cleans.
Some information from last year as follows:
- 1,200 surveys sent in between January and December last year.
- 17,000 kg litter removed by our cleans.
- Evidence that plastic litter has unfortunately increased.
The Celebration Event included a very enjoyable quiz and some of the answers were interesting, for examples:
- It is estimated that individual adults each generate approximately 99kg plastic waste each year in the UK. (This underlines the importance of recycling)
- It is estimated that there are more micro-plastics in the ocean than stars in our galaxy.
- 70% our our oxygen is produced by marine plants.
- In the UK the most items of litter collected by beach cleans are in the form of food wrappers.
The Great British Beach Clean will take place this year between 19th and 28th September. The date for ours will be on the website and in our newsletters. Please join us!
Kathy McAdam
Beachwatch organiser. Lancashire MCS.
Posted: April 30th, 2025
Posted in Beach Clean, Marine science update