Sea Life entry for Brighton beach cleaners (From The Argus)

Sea Life entry for Brighton beach cleaners

5:40pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Peter Truman

Buy this photo » Staff from the Sealife Centre in Brighton picking up litter

Volunteers coming along to our big beach clean-up can get free entry to the Sea Life Centre in Brighton.

The Argus has joined forces with the centre and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) to clean the beach on Sunday, September 16.

It follows our Take It Home campaign which has highlighted the damage done by littering our coastline and beyond.

As a reward for those giving up their time, the Sea Life Centre has confirmed it will give free entry to all those who lend a hand.

A spokesman from the centre said: “Here at the Sea Life Centre we have a great opportunity to make people aware of the impact that the rubbish we are leaving on our coastlines has on our local wildlife.

“Sea Life is always concerned about conservation issues and although an ongoing issue, we pride ourselves on the difference that these sorts of events can make.

“We are hoping for a big turn out on Sunday for the beach clean and it is always a pleasure to see how passionate the general public is towards supporting and caring for their coastline.”

The day is part of MCS Big Beachwatch weekend, which sees volunteers across the country help clear up their local beach. As well as clearing the rubbish, the day will also involve surveying what is found to highlight the sort of litter carelessly tossed away, especially plastic.

A spokesman for MCS said: “For centuries our seas have been as a repository for everything from raw sewage to toxic waste.

“Despite legislation to reduce pollution, levels continue to rise.

“One of the easiest to see, and one of the most harmful, is the vast quantity of plastic which washes up on the south coast.

“We’ve been brought up to take plastic for granted and we’ve grown used to throwing it away too.

“Toxic pollutants stick to the surface of plastics leading to high concentrations which could enter the food chain when they are eaten by marine invertebrates and are subsequently passed to the fish that we eat.”

Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Pete West , is ready to roll up his sleeves and help out on the day, along with fellow Green Party councillor Ollie Sykes.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 10am on Sunday at the Sea Life Centre.

They should wear sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing and gloves.

Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Anyone who turns up will be given a letter from the Sea Life Centre giving them free entrance on Sunday.

If you would like to come along to help, call Peter Truman on 01273 544525 or email peter.truman@theargus.co.uk