22 July, 2019
MSP launches campaign to clean up marine plastic in the North East
Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, today launched an initiative to encourage people in the North East to battle the effects of marine litter on wildlife.
Part of an international campaign, Take 3 For the Sea, the initiative will operate on two Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) national nature reserves, St Cyrus and Forvie. The campaign encourages people to remove three small pieces of rubbish from the beach every time they visit. They then can place litter in the bins at the reserve car parks or take plastics and other recyclables home to recycle.
Ms Gougon said:
“Forvie and St Cyrus both have wonderful beaches, which many people enjoy and which support all kinds of wildlife. Marine plastic poses a dangerous threat to these birds and animals. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this grassroots campaign to get us all involved in keeping our marine wildlife safe. And of course you don’t have to stop at three: every item you pick up will make a big difference!”
Therese Alampo, SNH’s St Cyrus reserve manager, added:
“St Cyrus and Forvie are two stunning areas, and it’s a real shame whenever the view is spoiled by litter washing ashore – and worse still is the effect rubbish has on marine wildlife. The community takes pride in our litter-free beach and we want this to continue, and this is an easy and effective way for each person to make a real difference.”
The East Grampian Coastal Partnership’s beach litter initiative, Turning the Plastic Tide, is also planning to include up to four additional litter picking stations along the North East coast, encouraging both locals and visitors to Take 3 For The Sea.
ENDS
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Notes to editors
St Cyrus and Forvie National Nature Reserves are two of about 45 national nature reserves in Scotland. These are special places that look after some of the best of Scotland’s nature on behalf of everyone who lives or visits Scotland, and they provide unique opportunities to visit, enjoy and learn more about Scotland’s nature. For more information, see www.nnr-scotland.org.uk.
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on X at https://x.com/NatureScot
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