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Marine Conservation Society urges public to back local bans as balloon litter on beaches rises by over 50%

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The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is asking the public to pledge their support for a ban on balloon releases in their local area after volunteers found an increase of over 50% in the amount of balloon litter on UK beaches between 2015 and 2016.

The plight of a three-year-old horse that died after choking on a balloon string was featured on BBC Breakfast last week, and has once again highlighted the terrible consequences of balloon litter on land. But on beaches and in the sea, balloons, strings, lanterns and frames can have long-lasting effects both as choking and entanglement hazards.

During the MCS Great British Beach Clean event last September, volunteer beach cleaners found an astonishing rise in the amount of balloon related litter on UK beaches – a 53.5% increase on 2015. The charity says it’s taking its ‘Don’t Let Go’ campaign to a local level to persuade more councils to ban the release of both balloons and sky lanterns on their land.

Currently over 50 UK local authorities have agreed to implement a ban on balloon and lantern releases on their land.

MCS says it wants to see all intentional balloon releases stopped. Emma Cunningham is the MCS Pollution Campaigns Officer: “There’s an awful lot of confusion over balloons, especially what they’re made of and how they break down. Some people believe that because latex is natural, balloons made of it are harmless once let go. This just isn’t the case. Latex may last for up to four years in the marine environment. The latest research also shows that only around 13% of balloons burst into small pieces whilst more than 80% come down intact. This could explain the rise in balloon litter levels we have seen on beaches, which will have a great impact on wildlife.”

The Marine Conservation Society is urging people to sign up to their online pledge page and help the charity create an interactive map to show support for bans around the UK.

Among the 50 councils who have agreed on a voluntary ban on balloon and lantern releases on their land are Durham City, Cornwall County, Worcestershire, Oxford city and Northumberland in England, Cardiff, Gwynedd and Monmouthshire in Wales and Aberdeen city, Angus, Shetland and Perth and Kinross in Scotland.

To pledge your support for a local ban on balloon and lantern releases in your council area click here.

Balloons and Lanterns – the Facts

Balloons are made of either latex (rubber) or foil (also known as mylar). Latex balloons, whilst biodegradable, may still persist in the marine environment for up to four years.

There are already bans on balloon releases in place in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia and Florida, Virginia, Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas and California in the US.

Helium is the gas used to fill balloons to make them go up and balloons made of latex are often referred to as helium balloons

Helium is running out… even more reason to conserve what stocks we have left and not waste it on a few seconds of enjoyment.

The metal sky lantern frame is dangerous to wildlife and poses an entanglement threat. In 2010 it was reported that a Cheshire farmer lost one of his pedigree cattle worth £1,000 after it died from eating the wire frame from a lantern.

Lanterns also pose a fire hazard to crops in summer months, and in 2013 £6m of damage was caused at a recycling plant in Smethwick, Birmingham after a lantern landed and sparked a blaze.

It’s illegal to launch a sky lantern in most parts of Germany, Malta, Vietnam and most recently Spain, and in Austria it’s illegal to produce, sell, import, or to distribute them.

A permanent ban on sky lanterns that “rely on an open flame to heat the air inside the lantern” was introduced in Australia on 1 February 2011.

www.mcsuk.org

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Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide

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Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.

An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.

The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.

Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya

Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.

DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort

Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details

For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087

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Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year

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Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.

Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”

Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.

Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”

To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.

Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.

MORE INFORMATION

Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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