Litter in St Peter Port harbour under spotlight

Friday 02 February 2018

St Peter Port Harbour is under the spotlight on 2018's World Wetlands Day, as the dangers of plastic and litter in the sea have been highlighted.

The year's theme is Wetlands for a sustainable urban future, which pushes the importance of keeping urban environment's clean from plastic pollution.

Guernsey's urban wetlands includes the island's harbours, with St Peter Port's being at the centre of island life.

According to a survey carried out by Guernsey Harbours, half a bin sack of litter is collected from St Peter Port Harbour every day, with Victoria Marina being cleared daily during the summer. This amounts to almost 200 bin sacks a year, with a time cost of on average one hour per day.

Julia Henney, the island's recently appointed Biodiversity Education Officer, said: "Often when we talk about plastic pollution in our oceans, the plastic has originated from elsewhere and is washing up on our shores.

"When we look at pollution in St Peter Port Harbour, however, we can see that the litter has originated directly from the surrounding area, so this means it is much easier for us to take action to prevent it."

As a push to reduce plastic waste on the island, to in turn help improve environments like St Peter Port harbour, local charities and organisations are calling on Guernsey's community to act.

Helen Young from the social media campaign page Plastic Free Guernsey said: "We know too much about the awful pollution already caused by single use plastics, this can't be ignored and it is down to both the consumers and businesses to start making big changes, and quickly. There are so many alternatives and we need to start making them our new normal." 

Other groups set up by members of the public are also acting to encourage more mindful behaviour including Facebook groups including Found on the beach in Guernsey (beachcombers) and Turn the tide - Alderney's eco action group. Sustainable Guernsey also offers advice.