The SeaClean project, initiated by Dorset Coastlink, aims to reduce the amount of discarded fishing line in the sea where it is a hazard, entangling all kinds of marine life from seals and seabirds to crabs and seafans. It has been estimated that it takes around 600 years for monofilament fishing line to break down in the sea. In Dorset special ‘Fishing line bins’ have been installed at key locations for anglers to discard their unwanted line.

The project has received a grant from the Dorset Biodiversity Partnership as well as support from the Swanage & District Angling Club, Swanage Angling Centre and Swanage Town Council. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a bin in their area please contact Coastlink on 01929 481044.

Litter drifting around in the sea and washed up on beaches presents a hazard to marine wildlife and is thought to kill or injure over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and reptiles every year. We are producing more waste than ever before and most of it is made of plastic, nylon and other man-made materials specifically treated to make them last a long time and not easily bio-degrade. Furthermore, huge quantities of goods are transported by sea and over 10,000 containers are lost at sea each year.

Coastlink has been involved in running beach cleans in Dorset for many years. We rely on volunteers to help collect the litter. If you would like to help at one of our beach cleans contact the individual visitor centre. Divers can also help with underwater cleans. By carrying out regular beach cleans and surveys we can not only reduce the hazard to wildlife but also start to identify sources of litter and take steps towards reducing it.

Contact your local Coastlink centre for further information.