Plastic removal patrol

TORREVIEJA local police maritime unit has been fishing discarded plastic out of the sea.

Unit chief Adolfo Rodríguez explained that so far this summer they have removed 785 separate pieces including 375 bags, 228 bottles, 81 pieces of greenhouse or large strips of plastic, 26 tubes, seven crates, and more. They have done this while patrolling between La Mata and Punta Prima, as well as performing dives at Cala Ferrís.

Sr Rodríguez noted that they were inspired to start last year ‘ when they saw a foreign family picking up litter on the coast’.

He said that it is necessary to create an environmental conscience amongst people and advised anyone who goes out sailing to take a bag with them and fill it up with plastic, which can be disposed of when they get to port.

Sr Rodríguez explained that last year they had rescued a gull which had become trapped in a web of plastic in the sea.

Deputy mayor Fanny Serrano noted that plastic is causing enormous damage to sea creatures.

She noted that a large amount of the diet of sea turtles is contaminated by plastics and human beings are also being affected by eating fish.

“It is absolutely vital that people do not throw plastic into the sea,” said Sra Serrano.

“I would also ask anyone that sees plastic in the sea or on the beach to pick it up.

“We will start to reduce the problem through these small gestures.”