Sewage and industrial wastes are major pollutants near large ports and industrial cities. Poisonous wastes are sometimes poured directly into the sea.

Pollution from oil
Oil is a major source of pollution, and seabirds especially are vulnerable through poisoning and contamination of their plumage. The oil comes from tankers and refineries and, unfortunately, some of the pollution is not accidental.

Sea-borne rubbish
Similarly, most of the rubbish that ends up on our beaches is not the fault of holidaymakers but has been washed up by the sea after being dumped from ships. Plastic waste is a particular danger to birds and animals.

Litter, sewage and all manner of sea-borne rubbish also affect the quality of the experience of visitors to the coast, and there is often a cost in clearing up the mess.

The National Trust gives active support to the Marine Conservation Society. They conduct an annual survey, Beachwatch, carried out by hundreds of volunteers, to make people more aware of the problem and increase knowledge of the quantity and type of litter that pollutes our beaches.