By Press Release
This month, local community group, Planet Aware, are calling for Islanders to get involved in a global plastic pollution survey: “The Great Nurdle Hunt”, ahead of the United Nations (UN) Global Plastic Treaty negotiations.
The data collected from surveys of plastic pellets our Island beaches will be added to data collected around the world on these plastic pellets. With hundreds of volunteers and organisations across the planet set to take part, it will help to uncover the extent of this industrial plastic pollution.
Evidence from the Global Nurdle Hunt is vital for work on finding solutions to nurdle pollution and Islanders can help. The data from the “hunts” can be logged at www.nurdlehunt.org.uk to help build a global map of nurdle pollution.
Planet Aware has a schedule of nurdle hunts during September on its website: www.planetaware.co.uk and is also calling on individuals and other community groups to get involved in their own nurdle hunts. They are happy to support schools, local youth groups and others who want to take part and undertake their own nurdle hunts.
The annual event is organised by environmental charity, FIDRA; the evidence of this international plastic pollution crisis is mapped globally to share at the Global Plastics Treaty. Plastic pellets (also known as nurdles) are a form of microplastic pollution, which enter the environment through container spills, poor handling and manufacturing practices.
Every year, across the world, an estimated 445,970 tonnes of plastic pellets are spilled into the environment. More than 220 marine species have been shown to ingest microplastic debris. Nurdles have been found in the stomachs and digestive tracts of a variety of species, from seabirds in the North Sea and Australia to green turtles and fish off the coasts of Brazil. Globally, nurdle pollution can have further negative impacts to local economies and industry such as fishing and tourism.
Earlier this year Planet Aware and Oracle environmental consultants held the first Isle of Wight meeting on nurdle pollution with local councillors, then MP Bob Seely, representatives from National Trust, Crown Estates and National Coast Agency in attendance.