Littering in Whitby harbour has become a worsening problem and people are being urged to take more care when crabbing, fishing and spending the day at the beach.
Leah Hunter, who owns Whitby Surf School, pulled 22 discarded crab nets as well as lines from the stretch of water which goes from the swing bridge to the fish quay in just an hour and a half last Friday morning, and this evening is setting about clearing the section of the harbour up to the bandstand.
She did the clean-up while out on her paddleboard, which she says was covered in dead and live crabs.
Leah said: “I used to do it a few years ago when me and my mates were on our paddleboards on the river and picking stuff up as we went.
“Recently it has been getting much worse, probably since the Regatta, and it is starting to affect boats in the area so last Friday I went out on my board and was out 90 minutes.
“There are all sorts of hazards with it. When I was pulling the nets out there were live crabs and dead ones. The seaweed wrapped around it was covered in crabs trying to make a nest in the mess we have caused. If someone is in the water they could even get tangled up in it.”
To try and recycle or re-use some of the plastics and other waste picked up from the beach, people have started making key rings from the rope and plastics, and even bracelets.
Unlike other beaches in the UK, Whitby doesn’t have dedicated litter pickers. Leah has also started a ‘borrow box’ to try and reduce the plastic being brought onto and washed up on the beach.
It started with four sets of buckets and spades she picked up from the beach but is now up to 20, along with some games, and beach hut users are also donating items people could share and make use of.
Leah said: “If you come to the box which is outside the Surf School on the days I am in, people can borrow what they want.
“My intention is not to take away from what the shops are trying to sell but just to try and do good.”
She also urged visitors to the beach, anglers and those using spots such as Kiddie’s Corner for crabbing to be more mindful.
“People need to respect the beach”, she added. “At the end of the day, it is my office and I take great pride in cleaning bits up but not everyone is as mindful.”
