Clean & Protect

Litter

Aquatic litter is a form of pollution. Litter is not only unsightly, it can also be harmful to wildlife and can be a nuisance or dangerous to human water users. The problem can be tackled on two fronts; firstly reduce the amount of litter generated and secondly, remove the litter that accumulates.

Within the estuary there are a number of exemplary initiatives where local groups (e.g. Stoke Gabriel Boating Association, Dittisham Sailing Club) have annual clean-up days to address litter in their own localities. If you want to form a group to tackle a local litter problem DEEM can help with the provision of plastic sacks, collection of rubbish and advice on how to organise your clean-up day.

Along the coast there are national initiatives such as the Marine Conservation Society's Beachwatch and Adopt-a-Beach projects. For more information see the links in the resources column on the right hand side.

Find out how DEEM aims to help tackle litter in the Dart catchment by reading this extract from the Management Plan.

The full original plan can be downloaded at the end of the extract, however the latest 2006-2011 Periodic Review Dart Estuary Environmental Management Plan (EMP) can also be downloaded here. It is closely linked with the Management Plan for the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a five year horizon.

The plan's guiding principles provide the context in which the aims are achieved and the actions carried out.

• Guiding Principles

• To work toward the elimination of litter from the estuary as far as practicable.

• Strategic Objectives

• To identify the sources of litter and seek its reduction where possible. Work towards a co-ordinated, regular and effective clean up campaign for the estuary