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WATCH: Plastic@Bay's new coastal ranger unearths 'ghost gear' from Sutherland beach


By Caroline McMorran

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Durness based environmental group Plastic@Bay has appointed a new coastal ranger.

Conor Drummond has taken on the role which has been funded for six months by Highlands and Islands Environmental Foundation.

Since he started two weeks ago, Conor has already removed 400kg of plastic from Balnakeil Bay, Kyle of Durness and Secret Beach.

He also found and removed a piece of megaplastic "ghost gear" weighing 112kg. Ghost gear is the term used for abandoned fishing gear, which makes up the majority of large plastic pollution in the oceans.

Plastic@Bay co-founder Joan D'Arcy said: "Employing someone to regularly clean the coastline stops plastic from being buried and polluting for centuries, or washing back to sea and becoming a hazard to wildlife.

"Coastal rangers are at the forefront of the battle against plastic pollution"

Conor's role is not just restricted to beach cleaning with research and outreach also aspects of the post.

Conor will be surveying and charting how plastic moves through the environment.

And an important part of the post is also to communicate with the public about the dangers and solutions to plastic pollution and to engage schools and community groups with the work.

In July Conor will give guided Clean and Coastal Tours around Balnakeil Bay and the surrounding area.


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