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British-Irish council plans swift, meaningful action on plastics

Plastic nurdles on Port Erin beach, Tuesday (Feb 19) credit: @breeshasdad on Twitter

Marine Litter Symposium aims to identify solutions

Ministers from the member administrations of the British and Irish Council have reaffirmed their commitment to rid the oceans of marine litter.

Geoffrey Boot and a team from the Manx environment department, have been in Glasgow this week working collaboratively towards a way to identify solutions to the problem.

The Marine Litter Symposium seen more than saw over 130 government delegates and officials from across the Isles, come together to look at ways to reduce, and ultimately eradicate pollution in local waters.

Action to prevent nurdles, by-products of the fishing industry, from entering the supply chain along with more education to those within the sector and to young people, was part of the agreement made at the University of Stratclyde today (22 Feb).

It follows the B.I.C's 30th summit in Guernsey last year, which agreed for 'meaningful and swift action' on the issue.

'A pressing problem'

Speaking from Glasgow, Mr Boot told Manx Radio that people 'rightly want to see some action'.

"We all know our beaches have had far too much plastic on them and the younger generation are certainly becoming more active in that respect.

"Adults as well, know that things can't go on the way they are."

At the ministerial meeting, representatives from the plastics industry association, a body which represents the entire supply chain of the material, were present, they are 'very aware that they are getting a bad name' according to Mr Boot.

"But it is up to us as governments" he says, "to look at what we can do nationally and internationally, to help."

With regard to the manufacture of plastic, the Isle of Man's conscience is clean but is it said that there is work to be done in Manx fisheries, to prevent materials used on Island from polluting the environment, washing up on beaches and affecting the marine life.

"We all know people litter, generally as well as specifically.  

"But I think we can educate fisherman and get them to cooperate more. 

"It is very important that we reduce the amount of fishing waste, the nets and equipment they use." 

Education is one of the key issues he says, which 'bites right at the centre of our Biosphere status.'

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