Seas full of plastic, so why do polluters get away scot-free?
MILLIONS of plastic particles are choking the seas around Scotland – with up to 63,000 found in just one square kilometre, research has revealed.
Microplastics such as tyre fibres, laundry fibres, artificial turf and beads in cosmetics are among the worst pollutants in our waters.
There is no penalty for those caught dumping materials, the Scottish Government has admitted, as critics demanded tough action.
But ministers have introduced a number of policies to tackle plastic pollution, including a bottle deposit return scheme and a ban on microbeads in cosmetic products, following a successful campaign by the Scottish Daily Mail.
Now, samples of seawater from around Scotland have revealed that up to 63,000 microplastic particles have been found per square kilometre in popular spots including the Firth of Forth.
Yesterday, politicians and campaigners demanded the Scottish Government introduce harsh penalties for those caught dumping microplastics and materials which break down into the tiny particles.
Green MSP for Lothian Alison Johnstone said: ‘We need to look at alternatives to plastic where practical, make every producer responsible for the plastic they produce, and those whose products do still end up in our seas should pay the price for the damage they cause.’
Miss Johnstone obtained the ‘shocking figures’ via a parliamentary question about microplastic pollution levels submitted to Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.
Miss Cunningham replied that the quango Marine Scotland Science had been sampling for microplastics up to five millimetres beneath the water’s surface across the country.
She said that since 2014, up to 63,000 microplastic particles had been found per square kilometre (less than half a square mile ) – including in the Firth of Forth.
Miss Cunningham admitted there is no legislation to prevent or penalise those responsible for dumping the waste – despite warnings the particles could be entering the food chain.
Miss Cunningham said: ‘There is currently no penalty for polluters of microplastics specifically because of the diverse range and high prevalence of microplastic sources, such as tyre fibres in road runoff, shredded textile fibres, etc.’
Campaigners repeatedly raise fears about the prevalence of nurdles – plastic pellets used to make various products – with growing fears about them being swallowed by fish, which are then eaten by people.
This year 450,000 nurdles, weighing more than 20lb, were found on North Queensferry beach on the Firth of Forth – the most anywhere in the UK.
Heather McFarlane, from environmental charity Fidra, said: ‘While parts of the industry have cleaned up their act, more needs to be done to solve this issue.
‘We need responsibility and transparency across the whole supply chain.’
In June, the Government introduced a ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products. Manufacturers and sellers could face fines of up to £5,000 or two years in prison.
Last night, a Scottish Government spokesman said ministers were planning to host a global marine litter conference next year, with manufacturers due to discuss ways to cut pollution.
He said: ‘The Scottish Government is working internationally to better understand the complex issue of microplastics in our environment and their many varied sources. This will enable the feasibility of future solutions to be considered.’