Marine litter

Marine litter refers to waste that ends up in our seas or along the coast. All marine litter comes from human activity, with around 80% from land-based sources and 20% from ocean-based sources like ships or fishing activity.

Our dynamic network of waterways (rivers, lakes, canals and coastline) means we are all connected to the sea, so no matter where we live or work, our everyday actions have an impact.

Marine litter data

We collect data through robust litter surveys using GLÂN (Geospatial Litter Analysis) – our world‑leading methodology for monitoring and analysing litter trends.

These figures highlight litter commonly recorded on designated bathing water beaches in Wales last year.

For all the latest litter survey results, visit our litter data page.

Litter data

40.3%

litter on beaches was fishing gear

15.5%

litter on beaches was confectionery litter

5.3%

litter on beaches was cigarette butts

Understanding the issue

The true impact of marine litter is more alarming than most people realise – just look at these eye opening facts:

Litter does not stay still in the environment. It travels via rain and wind, in drains and sewers, and down rivers and eventually, it reaches the sea.
Marine litter can cause injury or death to marine animals and seabirds through entanglement and ingestion.
The economy is threatened as marine litter impacts tourism, coastal communities, fisheries and shipping operations.
The presence of marine litter can have direct impacts on human physical and mental health.
Plastics are the most common type of marine litter. At current rates, it’s predicted that there could soon be more plastic than fish in the sea.

The iconic Blue Flag flying over a Ceredigion beach

Tackling the issue

To address marine litter, we need to assess our litter and waste behaviours and understand the pathways of litter into our marine environments. Litter prevention needs to be at the heart of our efforts, by prioritising reduction, reuse and repair.

Keep Wales Tidy coordinates the coast awards in Wales and works extensively with our partners to ensure a clean, green and high-quality coastline and seaside.

We are also part of the Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition – a group of organisations working to develop everyone’s understanding of their influence on the ocean and the oceans influence on us, through actions in Y Môr a Ni – the ocean literacy strategy for Wales.

Go to Y Môr a Ni website