Nadur Nadif, Nature Trust – FEE Malta Gozo section and the Xaghra Scout Group joined together on Saturday in another cleanup at Ramla Bay, Gozo, it was in fact, the third clean-up of sorts in just two weeks.

Nadur Nadif highlighted the fact that “the photos speak for themselves… a quick lesson on why should we reduce the amount of plastic we are using. If we reduce the amount of plastic we use (throw away), the less of it will turn into microplastics. As time goes by, these plastics continue to deteriorate.”

The NGO stressed that unfortunately, these microplastics can enter the food chain and cause a lot of harm to the ecosystems. For example, small animals can suffer reduced growth, inflammatory responses as well as reduced feeding behavior.

NTM Gozo Section said that although the beach doesn’t look littered, unfortunately the sand is full of microplastics – there are loads of man-made items less then 5mm in size. – mainly plastic items which result from broken down containers and other plastic items but also including nurdles, which are also referred to as mermaid’s tears or pellets.

It added that, “these are frequently being mistaken as food my wildlife and the rest is unfortunately part of humanity’s story. These items have to be hand picked or sieved, though sieving will then involve removing organic material such as seaweed, plant branches and roots, shells, small stones, feathers, etc.”

“One can easily estimate that during yesterday’s cleanup thousands of pieces were collected, pieces which would have remained in the environment and break down further,” the NTM Gozo Section said.

They invited all beach-goers to “dedicate some time, even 5 minutes, picking up these microplastics and disposing of them in the bins – Every little help counts.”

Thank you to all involved in the clean-up at Nadur Nadif, Nature Trust – FEE Malta – Gozo Section and the Xaghra Scout Group.

Photos: Nadur Nadif

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