Prestonpans Beachwatch 2005
A team of 17 volunteers recorded the types and quantities of litter found
on the beach, as well as removing the rubbish they found ensuring that the
surveyed stretch of beach was rubbish free. The results from the clean showed
that a total of 155 items were found. The 5 most common litter items recorded
on the day were broken glass, drinks bottles, polystyrene pieces, drinks cans
and metal pieces.
Unusual items included 3 bikes and a teddy bear!
All involved agreed that the highlight of the day was seeing
a large adult seal appear not far from the shore where he loitered for a good
15 minutes (shown above left and centre). He bobbed up again just as the group
were gathering for a photograph.
The results showed that the most common source of litter items was from beach
visitors who often litter beaches as they enjoy them. Action is needed to
provide signs to promote awareness of the issue, and ensure adequate bins
are provided and emptied regularly, particularly in the peak summer period.
Individuals must also take responsibility for keeping our beaches clean.
All the survey data collected for each beach is sent to MCS to be analysed,
and the organiser of each survey receives a summary of the results in order
to identify the quantities and sources of marine and coastal litter at a local
level.
Huge thanks to Annemarie, Sarah, Christine, John, Christopher, Kathryn, Jacqueline, Ally, Andrew, Julie, Grant, Shona, Maia, Roma & Sammy for their fantastic efforts in making the first Prestonpans Beachwatch such a success. Many thanks to the Prestoungrange Gothenburg for supplying Gothenburgers, chips and drinks at the after the survey.
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