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The Clean Earth Trust has released its third consecutive annual Marine Litter Report for Guernsey.
The report paints a picture of pollution on the island’s beaches, with 27,969 pieces of litter collected from 40 different beaches and bays throughout 2023.
A striking 80% of this litter was identified as plastic, reinforcing global concerns about plastic pollution in marine environments.
"The data we've gathered over the past year shows the impact of litter on our environment, with plastic continuing to be a major component," said Fern Nicholson, Beach Clean Team Lead.
"We encourage everyone to do their part by minimising waste, and picking up litter whenever and wherever you can".
Over the last three years its reports have shown an annual reduction of about 10,000 pieces of marine litter found on our beaches.
"At first glance this might suggest a welcome trend towards less marine litter being on our shores," its report states.
"However, there may be other factors at play, such as fewer volunteers being involved in surveys. For example, in 2023 many surveys were by individuals rather than by groups which means fewer people being involved in collecting the litter and less items being found."
On average, 168 items of litter were found per survey conducted.
Over half of the litter collected (52.9%) could not be traced back to its origin.
Plastic fragments formed the bulk of the items found, with over 8,000 pieces collected, leading by a significant margin over other types of waste.
The report also showed that cigarette butts and plastic food wrappers were also among the top items polluting Guernsey's shores.
The implication of potential fines for discarded cigarette butts, amounting to a theoretical total of £178,500.
The Clean Earth Trust attributed the success of the report to the "dedication and efforts of community volunteers."
Volunteer-led beach clean-ups and surveys provided the data that shaped the report's insights.
Read the full report HERE.
Marine waste report will provide critical data to guide decision-making
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