Echo Country column by Sally Welbourn

Marine wildlife is often hard to appreciate as we can’t always see it, but this programme has given us all a new understanding of the complex and beautiful habitats and marine species living beneath the waves. 

Another much talked about issue it focussed on, was that of marine litter, one of the biggest threats to marine animals. 

It is estimated that around the world one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles are killed each year as a result of litter.

Dorset is home to a great variety of marine life, with regular visits from grey seals, semi-resident dolphins and even passing basking sharks, but the amount of litter found in our seas has turned the ocean into a very dangerous place for them. 

Our seas and beaches are awash with plastic toys, food packaging, lighters, balloons and fishing paraphernalia, which often takes years to decompose. 

Seabirds for example, might spot something shiny and think its food, which if eaten becomes impacted in their stomachs and can cause death. 

Larger marine animals can also risk ingestion and entanglement from litter. 

The good news is that everyone can make a difference by making a few small changes. 

Reducing single use plastics is one big step in the right direction. 

In the recent budget announcements, a tax on takeaway boxes is being considered to reduce the amount of single-use plastic which could end up in the sea. 

Many of us could start doing something about it now by making different purchasing decisions – for example using a re-fillable water bottle rather than a single-use plastic bottle. 

Dorset Wildlife Trust has designed its very own refill bottle, available in our online shop at www.dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk/shop. 
Even if you have just two minutes, take a stroll along the 
beach and pick up some litter as you go, as part of the #twominutebeachclean. 

Every little helps!