Tuesday 15 October 2024
 10.6°C   SSW Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Environment / Tangled gannet sparks marine litter reminder

Photo: Jordan Clark.

A FRESH call has been made for people to do their bit in the fight against marine litter after a local man photographed a gannet which appeared to have died after becoming tangled in rope and twine.

Jordan Clark came across the bird at Mavis Grind on Tuesday afternoon.

The 24-year-old said the stricken solan showed why it is important for people to continue tackling marine litter and keep Shetland’s beaches and coastline clean.

“I saw it from a distance and was hoping it was still alive and that I could cut it loose from the nets, but as I got closer I realised it was long dead,” Clark said.

Shetland hosts the UK’s most successful community litter pick-up in the shape of the annual Voar Redd Up, which focuses on beaches, coastlines and roadsides.

It is often said that marine litter is a global problem with Shetland, as a group of islands, naturally prone to having debris washed up on its shores from further afield.

But Clark said people need to remain vigilant all year round – echoing the #2minutebeachclean movement which encourages folk to do their bit when they can, even if it is just picking up a few pieces of bruck.

“The issue of marine litter is very important to me, I spend a lot of time by the sea or in it,” he said.

“We all post pictures online of how beautiful Shetland is, but Shetland has a serious pollution problem.

“It’s not going to go away pretending it’s not there or by not doing anything about it. Pick up that little bit of litter, better yet, pick up loads of it or face losing more of these beautiful creatures. Be the change you want to see.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.