Marine Life & Conservation
Marine Conservation Society calls on Government to ‘Stop Ocean Threads’
For every load of laundry washed, as many as 700,000 microfibres can flow into our water systems. Across the UK, at least 9.4 trillion fibres could be released into the environment in one week alone, with many of them ending up in the ocean and on our beaches. The UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society, is calling on Government to help stop the flow of plastic fibres entering the ocean.
The charity is urging for washing machine manufacturers to be required, by law, to include microfibre filters in all washing machines from 2024. These filters would be internally fitted in domestic and commercial washing machines and would capture microfibres in the same way lint is caught in tumble driers, reducing the flow of plastic fibres into the ocean.
The Marine Conservation Society needs the public’s support to make this a reality, by signing a petition urging Government to put policy in place. The French Government recently introduced legislation of the same kind, with a deadline set for the end of 2024. The UK Government must now follow suit and be ambitious with the deadline for requiring filters.
Dr Laura Foster, Marine Conservation Society’s Head of Clean Seas says: “Despite just 40% of the UK public having heard of ‘microfibre pollution’ before taking a recent survey from YouGov, once made aware of how prolific the pollution is, most (81%) supported legislation to get microfibre filters fitted into all new domestic washing machines. We believe that these filters will make a real difference to the microfibre pollution in our seas.
“We want to see all manufacturers committing, over the next 12 months, to having the filters within all their designs. Government legislation will provide the push which is needed to see microfibre filters in all washing machines in the future.”
Fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are created using plastic microfibres; with every wash and wear these shed from our clothes, ending up in the environment and the ocean. Once in the ocean, microfibres can be eaten by marine animals which mistake the tiny fibres for food. In fact, 63% of shrimp in the North Sea have been found to contain synthetic fibres. This means that microfibres are not only affecting marine life, but they’re ending up on our plates.
You can take some actions now to reduce the amount of microfibres ending up in the sea by following our top tips which include washing at 30 degrees and using fabric softener.
To sign the petition and learn more, please visit Stop Ocean Threads.
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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