A Marine Conservation Society report published today shows that the amount of plastic rubbish found on Britain’s beaches has increased by 126% since the survey began in 1994.

The annual ‘Beachwatch’ survey found an average of 2, 054 items of litter per kilometre.

Over 170 species of marine wildlife including seabirds, turtles and whales have been recorded mistaking marine litter for food resulting in starvation, poisoning and fatal stomach blockages. In addition, plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets injure, entangle and drown some of Britain’s favourite marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins.

See the full report here