FROM MADDY OF MARINE CONSERVATION

A huge win in the fight against plastic pollution, migratory marvels in UK waters, and more positive ocean news View in browser Plastic bottle lying on pebbles with text 'Campaign win! Deposit Return Scheme approved in England and Northern Ireland' Hi John, We’ve been delighted to receive so many reports of humpback whale sightings off our coasts, from Cornwall to the Hebrides, and over 40 reports from the coast of Sussex. Have you been lucky enough to spot one of these majestic creatures? This month we're celebrating a huge milestone in the fight against plastic pollution as MPs in England and Northern Ireland approved plans for a Deposit Return Scheme. Meanwhile our work to tackle 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) is being recognised, as Anna Gelderd Labour MP raised our research at Westminster. We've worked with Watershed Investigations and The Guardian to publish a pollution map of the UK - check out the map and find out what's polluting our rivers and lakes here. There's plenty more to explore in this Monthly Digest. We're learning all about migratory species, there's unique challenge events to get involved with, and as always, we're providing a healthy dose of positive ocean news. Let's dive into this month's update. Maddy Digital Channels Manager Marine Conservation Society Deposit Return Scheme approved in England and NI Plastic and glass bottles, bottlecaps and cans on sand In 2024, our Beachwatch volunteers found that 97% of UK beaches surveyed were polluted with bottles and cans. The incoming Deposit Return Scheme will make a huge difference to pollution on our beaches and in our ocean. Many thanks to you, our supporters, who have supported our campaigns on this issue and helped make this happen. Read more on Deposit Return Schemes Positive ocean news Seagrass fronds underwater Coastal marine systems have been granted rights of nature in Ecuador, seagrass is taking the spotlight at Chelsea Garden Show, and the UK's first Ocean Literacy Strategy has been launched in Wales, reconnecting people with our ocean. Read on for more positive ocean news. Read positive ocean news One week left to support our appeal Whale's tail emerges from water below 'Time to act' text We're committed to making 2025 the year the ocean thrives, and we've got big goals. We'll be working harder than ever to clean up our seas, protect marine habitats and wildlife, and connect communities and volunteers with our incredible ocean. We can't achieve any of this without your support. There's just one week left to donate to our appeal. If you've already donated - thank you! If you haven't had the chance, please consider making a gift to our ocean today - any size gift could make a huge difference for our blue planet. Donate and help our ocean thrive Five animals you may not know migrate Humpback whale breaches water We've been thrilled to hear reports of humpback whale sightings from UK coastlines. Our ocean is filled with fascinating stories of migration - from the mighty manta ray to the extraordinary spider crab. Learn all about migratory species and why they matter in our blog. Learn about migratory species Fundraise for our ocean with a challenge event Two cyclists high-five whilst crossing finish line We have spaces available at two iconic sold-out races this year! Brighton Marathon - Sunday 6th April 2025 London - Brighton Bike Ride - 15th June 2025 All funds you raise will go directly towards our marine conservation work, and our community fundraising team will be with you every step of the way. We’ll even send you a running vest or t-shirt for your race. Limited spaces available - secure your spot today! If those events aren't for you, we have plenty more challenge events and races for you to choose from. Take a look at our full collection of events here. Brighton Marathon London - Brighton Bike Ride Donate Become a member Forward Contact us Unsubscribe The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife. Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966 Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480 VAT No. 321 4912 32 Registered Office: Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US. Scottish Office: Suite 7, CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.