Menu
07/08/2013
Survey Reveals Extent Of NI Beach Litter
Northern Ireland's beaches contain over four thousand pieces of litter for every kilometre, according to a new report.
Environmental charity TIDY Northern Ireland recently carried out a survey of marine litter on behalf of the Department of the Environment Marine Division, and found that an average of 4,033 pieces of litter per kilometre was counted between September 2012 and April 2013.
Within each kilometre, nearly three quarters of the litter was plastic, including cigarette lighters, crisp packets, pieces of rope and string and plastic bottles.
Of 262 metal items, 148 were drinks cans. 267 sanitary items, such as cotton buds, were also found.
Three of the beaches in the survey were near fishing harbours, and the report found that litter levels on these beaches were significantly higher than the average.
The survey used 14 reference beaches every three months from Limavady via Rathlin Island to Warrenpoint.
It found that the north coast had more litter in general, with small pieces of plastic or polystyrene and cotton bud sticks four times more common than on the east coast.
Minister Mark Durkan, who's Department commission the report, said: "Raising public awareness is the only guaranteed way of reducing marine litter. A combination of education, provision of adequate waste reception facilities and enforcement of legislation is needed to tackle beach litter. Beach cleans are an excellent public participation exercise, focusing the public's attention on the issue of marine litter and creating a sense of environmental responsibility."
Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo said: "I think the public will be shocked that Tidy NI found over 4,000 items of rubbish per kilometre. I hope this survey will encourage people not to litter.
"As we look to attract visitors to Northern Ireland, we do not want them to see litter strewn across our beaches.
"I would urge people to pick up their rubbish when they are visiting our beaches. Let’s not spoil the beautiful scenery for others."
She added that "councils must also do more to ensure that there are an adequate number of bins on our beaches."
Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of TIDY Northern Ireland, added: "We can all do our bit to help clean up our beaches, even if it is to simply start recycling that plastic bottle or tin can. More fundamentally though, we need to tackle the pervasive littering behaviour that has contributed to the figures in this report."
(IT/CD)
Environmental charity TIDY Northern Ireland recently carried out a survey of marine litter on behalf of the Department of the Environment Marine Division, and found that an average of 4,033 pieces of litter per kilometre was counted between September 2012 and April 2013.
Within each kilometre, nearly three quarters of the litter was plastic, including cigarette lighters, crisp packets, pieces of rope and string and plastic bottles.
Of 262 metal items, 148 were drinks cans. 267 sanitary items, such as cotton buds, were also found.
Three of the beaches in the survey were near fishing harbours, and the report found that litter levels on these beaches were significantly higher than the average.
The survey used 14 reference beaches every three months from Limavady via Rathlin Island to Warrenpoint.
It found that the north coast had more litter in general, with small pieces of plastic or polystyrene and cotton bud sticks four times more common than on the east coast.
Minister Mark Durkan, who's Department commission the report, said: "Raising public awareness is the only guaranteed way of reducing marine litter. A combination of education, provision of adequate waste reception facilities and enforcement of legislation is needed to tackle beach litter. Beach cleans are an excellent public participation exercise, focusing the public's attention on the issue of marine litter and creating a sense of environmental responsibility."
Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo said: "I think the public will be shocked that Tidy NI found over 4,000 items of rubbish per kilometre. I hope this survey will encourage people not to litter.
"As we look to attract visitors to Northern Ireland, we do not want them to see litter strewn across our beaches.
"I would urge people to pick up their rubbish when they are visiting our beaches. Let’s not spoil the beautiful scenery for others."
She added that "councils must also do more to ensure that there are an adequate number of bins on our beaches."
Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of TIDY Northern Ireland, added: "We can all do our bit to help clean up our beaches, even if it is to simply start recycling that plastic bottle or tin can. More fundamentally though, we need to tackle the pervasive littering behaviour that has contributed to the figures in this report."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 April 2004
Northern Ireland beach litter figure drops
Northern Ireland has seen a decrease in the amount of litter on its beaches, despite a rise in the UK annual figure. The results were revealed in the UK’s biggest annual beach clean and litter survey, carried out in September 2003 by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Northern Ireland beach litter figure drops
Northern Ireland has seen a decrease in the amount of litter on its beaches, despite a rise in the UK annual figure. The results were revealed in the UK’s biggest annual beach clean and litter survey, carried out in September 2003 by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
21 August 2015
5,000 Pieces Of Litter Per Kilometre Of NI Beach
The average kilometre of beach in Northern Ireland has over 5,000 pieces of litter on it, according to the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful charity. The organisation has been monitoring litter on beaches from Lough Foyle to Carlingford Lough for the past three years, and have said that the 2015 results "are the worst yet".
5,000 Pieces Of Litter Per Kilometre Of NI Beach
The average kilometre of beach in Northern Ireland has over 5,000 pieces of litter on it, according to the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful charity. The organisation has been monitoring litter on beaches from Lough Foyle to Carlingford Lough for the past three years, and have said that the 2015 results "are the worst yet".
14 March 2003
Clean sweep for Northern Ireland beaches
According to the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Beachwatch 2002 report, Northern Ireland has less litter on its beaches than the rest of the United Kingdom – despite a small increase in litter volume. Beachwatch is an annual UK-wide beach litter survey and clean up organised by the Marine Conservation Society since 1993.
Clean sweep for Northern Ireland beaches
According to the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Beachwatch 2002 report, Northern Ireland has less litter on its beaches than the rest of the United Kingdom – despite a small increase in litter volume. Beachwatch is an annual UK-wide beach litter survey and clean up organised by the Marine Conservation Society since 1993.
01 March 2006
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
04 July 2013
NI's First Litter Strategy Announced
The first ever strategy to tackle levels of marine litter in Northern Ireland has been launched. Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the publication of the strategy today. The new marine litter strategy will seek to reduce the amount of litter around Northern Ireland's coastline through education and awareness campaigns.
NI's First Litter Strategy Announced
The first ever strategy to tackle levels of marine litter in Northern Ireland has been launched. Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the publication of the strategy today. The new marine litter strategy will seek to reduce the amount of litter around Northern Ireland's coastline through education and awareness campaigns.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
