The Great British Underwater Litter Pick
BSAC IS ENCOURAGING MEMBERS TO get involved with the Great British Underwater Litter Pick .
As the UK ’ s ‘ eyes under the sea ’, BSAC members get to see first-hand rubbish on the seabed and the detrimental effect it has on marine life and ecosystems .
BSAC hopes that its Great British Underwater Litter Pick will inspire members to leave the sea in a better condition than before , as well as help shine a light on just how much waste is finding its way into our waters .
As well as underwater litter picks , BSAC is also inviting members to join in with Marine Conservation Society ’ s ( MCS ) beach cleans .
MCS volunteers run beach clean surveys year-round , including its annual Great British Beach Clean , which this year takes place between 20-29 September .
The programme is one of the largest marine citizen science activities of its kind ; the charity hopes that by gathering more vital data through its beach cleans , it can create change for cleaner and healthier seas .
Mary Tetley , BSAC ’ s CEO , said that by getting involved in the Great British Underwater Litter Pick and Beach Clean , BSAC members will be part of something positive .
“ Collecting litter on every dive can make a real difference , whether through a litter pick on a regular dive site , or a focused club effort during a longer dive trip . With beach clean organiser training being offered by the Marine Conservation Society , beach cleans can also form part of an underwater litter pick event so all club members and their families can take part .
“ The more BSAC members who get involved in the Great British Underwater Litter Pick , the more positive impact we can have .”
Justine Millard , Associate Director of Engagement at the Marine Conservation
Society said , “ We ’ re grateful to have the support of BSAC in raising awareness of marine litter . Their members see the damage that rubbish in our seas can do to all our wonderful sea life in the UK .”
Get involved !
■ BSAC is calling on its clubs , centres , members and also divers from other agencies to sign up , get involved and organise or take part in an underwater litter pick or beach clean between 20th and 29th September 2024 .
■ Underwater litter pick organisers should utilise BSAC guidance on underwater litter pick planning and safety when organising their event – more info at bsac . com / underwaterlitterpick
■ Email photos of your underwater litter pick events and what you find to environment @ bsac . com Please also share on social media using # BeachClean and # BSACdivers
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