Marine Conservation Society Press Release
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Diary Date For 15th-16th September 2012: Beachwatch Big Weekend
1st June 2012The Marine Conservation Society is looking for volunteers to join them on the beaches for ‘Beachwatch Big Weekend’
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) wants to tackle the tide of litter washing up on our shores, and the charity says they cannot do it without public support. They urgently need volunteers to take part in the UK’s biggest beach clean and litter survey, which takes place in September.
In 2011, nearly 4,500 volunteers cleaned 335 beaches, covering a total of 142.3 kilometres. 247,914 items of litter were collected filling over 2,177 bags. For every kilometre surveyed almost 1,741 pieces of litter were found.
This year’s MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend takes place on the 15th and 16th of September, and will involve thousands of volunteers taking to the beaches all and around the UK coast. They’ll clean up and record the rubbish they find.
Some of our best loved marine wildlife is under threat from hazardous litter in our seas. Hundreds of species of marine wildlife accidentally eat, or become tangled up in litter - and it’s also hazardous to people.
MCS Beachwatch Officer Lauren Davis says it’s crucial we do something to tackle rising litter levels: “We’d like to see much more involvement around the UK coastline. Right now, we’re especially on the look out for people who can help us organise a beach clean in their area, and anyone can simply volunteer to take part.”
Beachwatch Big Weekend 2012 – be part of the biggest and most influential fight against marine litter in the UK. Find out more at www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch <http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch> <http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch> or telephone 01989 566017.
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Press Contacts:
MCS Beachwatch Officer: Lauren Davis – 01989 561597
MCS Editorial and Media Officer : Clare Fischer – 01989 561658
MCS Media and Editorial Assistant: Kate Wilson – 01989 561667
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