Bid to stem tide of sea 'litter'

Marine litter on the point poses a risk to sea life

A drive to preserve marine wildlife and clean up one of the most important strips of coastal land has begun in East Yorkshire.

Conservationists and volunteers have started collecting litter and debris washed up along the Spurn nature reserve as part of a "beach bioblitz".

The beach is cleaned up to four times a year and the types of debris washed up collated by environmental campaigners.

Conservationists said the majority of the litter was plastic-based material.

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts, which is organising the clean up, said: "Marine litter causes great damage both onshore and within the sea.

"Fishing nets and ropes often result in the entanglement of seabirds and marine mammals, such as seals and dolphins.

"Plastic bags, to turtles look remarkably like their favourite food, the jellyfish."

He said the turtles often tried to eat the bags, but then either began choking or died.

"We need to reduce this litter before it's too late," he added.