Once again, this week (22nd to 28th April 2013) is the highlight of the Marine Conservation Society’s fight against marine litter with the Big Beach Clean-up.

Over 110 beaches across the UK and Ireland are going to see volunteers coming together to do a beach clean and litter survey which will highlight the issues of beach litter around our coastlines.

http://www.mcsuk.org/foreverfish/index.php

Hosted by your local M&S store team – and all credit to Marks and Sparks for their sponsorship of this valuable quarterly event [let’s hope they bring some of their lovely sandwiches] – the beach clean and survey will last a couple of hours, leaving the rest of the day free for you to enjoy the beach.

Regrettably, our beaches witness the extent and diversity of marine litter, travelling the waves from distant lands, and discarded by ships, that damage ocean ecosystems and disfigure beaches when it washes ashore.

But there is more. There is solid waste from sewage outfalls. There is litter that never reaches the sea, but stays exactly where it is dropped, by those enjoying the beach but leaving their litter behind them. Inevitably, that includes IV drug users, who find the night time beach a quiet place to shoot up, away from prying eyes. Drug litter dropped onto soft dry sand or light pebbles is perhaps the most dangerous of all, since it can quickly become covered, lying just below the surface to catch the unwary. And literally, since it is those same beaches where adults and children might enjoy during daytime hours, playing barefoot in the sand.

MCS volunteers will do a great job this week, clearing up to 15 tonnes of litter from our beaches. Let’s hope that the waste sector also can rise to the challenge and provide disposal services free of charge.

MCS provide some guidance for volunteers, suggesting that they bring with them:

• Water
• Gloves
• Suitable clothing
• Seashore Safari Guide made especially for the event

A data collection sheet asks for information about the amount and types of waste collected (below), the results of which have always included a not inconsiderable amount of sharps waste, some clinical wastes and other lesser healthcare waste including minor wound dressings and the like.

Let’s hope those gloves are suitable for purpose! In practice, MCS briefs its volunteers to look out for sharps and call for specially equipped staff who will use litter pickers and sharps-safe gloves plus a sharps bin for disposal. Nonetheless, in hot spots for IV drug use a slight risk remains, as it does for all beach users.

All credit for MSC and its volunteers for their wonderful work in the annual Big Beach Clean-up, and to their sponsor M&S. This septic isle will be a better place thanks to their effort.