STORIES
Blue Litter Project
Clean Cornwall is a CRCC environmental project that has been working with communities for more than 15 years to tackle the issue of litter and waste in Cornwall.
The presence of plastic pollution in our marine spaces and waterways can have a devastating effect on coastal areas and the wildlife that inhabits them - Insights from our volunteers and boat users led our team to developing a campaign.
The WWF estimates that plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals every year and that 81 out of 123 marine mammal species are known to have eaten or been entangled in plastic. Research by the Environmental Investigation Agency found that 56% of whale, dolphin and porpoise species are documented to be ingesting plastics.
But not only is it vital we preserve our beautiful waters and coastline for the marine environment and wildlife, but also for the livelihood of people, businesses and communities across Cornwall. The county relies heavily on marine tourism to support its economy and its marine sector accounts for almost one in seven marine jobs in the UK.
‘Time and time again, we were hearing from people who had found considerable amounts of litter in hard to reach places whilst exploring the coast with Kayaks, Stand up paddle boards or small boats. Pleasure boat trip organisers were also telling us that they regularly saw litter floating in the sea. These groups said they would like to collect this litter but didn’t have the means, we also felt it was important to record where the litter was being found to inform future intervention’ Project lead.
In response to this and research into the impact of marine plastic and litter on Cornwall’s ecosystems and communities Clean Cornwall created their Blue Litter Project campaign.
Aiming to identify marine litter hotspots and support those trying to make a difference, Clean Cornwall launched their Blue Litter Project campaign in August 2023 with a survey to members of the marine leisure industry. The survey asked about their experience with marine plastic and litter in Cornwall’s remote marine spaces and how they are currently equipped to collect it. Based on the responses they received the team chose specialist equipment that would allow for safer and easier litter collecting.