News
Would you care more if it was you?
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says it’s renewing its call for levies on single-use plastic items, because the Prime Minister’s pledge to tackle litter in the Government’s environment 25 Year Plan failed to deliver what’s really needed to start solving the plastic litter issue.
Although the report contains some notable positive commitments to tackle plastic pollution, MCS said it fails to commit quickly enough on items that are handed over, free of charge, in their millions when we’re shopping, eating and drinking out and about. MCS says charges must be imposed on items such as straws, cups, lids, stirrers and cutlery.
MCS has commissioned a set of images that demonstrate the issue in a simple but graphic way – “Would you care more if it was you?”
According to Luca Bonaccorsi, Director of Engagement and Communications at MCS:
“Humans can be very selfish and self-centered. With these images we are trying to bring the issue “closer to home”. Simulating ourselves in the same situation as turtles and whales and seabirds, we hope people will “feel” some of the pain and act accordingly. The Governments of the UK are finally realising that action needs to be taken to stop plastic litter. Acknowledging the issue is not enough. We must act. WE MUST STOP THE PLASTIC TIDE!”.
The campaign was created by daughter, an independent creative agency based in Leamington Spa, and photographed by Guy Farrow. It responds to the number of media reports, and films and images shared on social media that show the suffering caused to marine wildlife such as turtles and seabirds.
In the Great British Beach Clean 2017, the UK’s largest and most influential beach clean up and survey run by MCS, almost 7,000 volunteer beach cleaners picked up record amounts of litter from 339 UK beaches – on average, a staggering 718 bits of rubbish from every 100 metres cleaned.
Litter classed by MCS as ‘on the go’ items made up 20% of all litter found on the UK’s beaches between the 15th and 18th September 2017.
“The 5p single-use carrier bag charge has made a massive difference to the number of plastic bags entering our seas. If a charge was placed on single use plastic such as straws, stirrers, cutlery, cups and cup lids, we’re confident that we’d find fewer of these items on our beaches,” concluded Luca Bonaccorsi.
MCS’s appeal is at: www.mcsuk.org/stop-the-plastic-tide
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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