Our seas and coastlines are under threat from plastic pollution and litter, leaving animals and habitats facing an uncertain future. Our native wildlife, from whales and dolphins to bird species, regularly ingest plastic waste, or become entangled in litter. The decline in ocean health also affects human wellbeing, our economy and our livelihoods. Marine pollution is everyone’s problem, an environmental emergency affecting all of us.

Beachwatch is the largest UK-wide beach clean and litter survey, delivered by MCS volunteer citizen scientists throughout the year. The litter data collected by over 10,000 volunteers during our annual Great British Beach Clean event is analysed to identify the quantities, types and sources of pollution affecting the coastline. This evidence underpins our awareness campaigns, targeting specific polluters and pollutants at local, national and international levels.