Clean beach campaigners need help

VOLUNTEERS are wanted for a spring clean of the beach at South Queensferry.

The Marine Conservation Society’s Matt Barnes hopes the event will highlight the problem of beach litter.

He said: “The litter washing up on our shores is not just unpleasant to look at, it can harm and even kill some marine wildlife. Over 170 species, including seabirds, turtles and whales can mistake marine litter for food and eat it, which in many cases has resulted in starvation, poisoning and, ultimately, a slow, painful death.

“Plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets injure, entangle and drown marine animals, including seals and dolphins.”

As well as collecting rubbish, the society will survey the litter collected to help identify where it comes from.

Mr Barnes said: “The data is used to raise awareness of the impacts of marine litter, to promote measures to reduce litter at source and campaign for marine litter legislation.”

The event starts at 11am on Sunday at Society Point. Register at www.eventelephant.com/ferry beachclean or call 07891 319268.