More than 50 people recently gathered at Bembridge Sailing Club for Planet Aware’s second mini conference focusing on marine plastic pollution, with particular attention given to nurdles and cigarette butts.
Held on Wednesday 11th February, the event titled “Aspects of marine plastic pollution” brought together volunteers, environmental organisations, councillors and representatives from across the Isle of Wight.
Planet Aware first highlighted the issue of nurdle pollution on the Isle of Wight in January 2024, which later led to then MP Bob Seely raising the matter in Parliament.
Among those attending were Ryan Pratt representing Crown Estates, Suzie Ellis representing Joe Robertson MP, High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard and councillors from several Isle of Wight parishes including Ryde Town Council. Representatives from organisations including the National Trust, Sandown Green Town, IW Greenpeace, West Wight Eco Refill, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Isle of Wight Biosphere and The Common Space were also present.
Nurdles – tiny lentil-sized plastic pellets used in the manufacture of plastic products – were the main focus of the day. Trillions are transported globally each year, but many are lost during manufacturing and transport, causing long-term environmental harm. Cigarette butts were also discussed as they are the most littered plastic item worldwide. Made from cellulose acetate, they do not naturally biodegrade and can release toxins into the environment.
Guest speakers included Rowan Stanforth from environmental charity FIDRA, which organises the Great Global Nurdle Hunt and campaigns for policy change based on scientific research.
Emma Teasdale from Litter Free Dorset spoke about projects aimed at reducing cigarette butt litter, including collection schemes using ballot-style bins similar to those introduced in Ryde through Planet Aware initiatives.
MSC student Dan Stonehouse and Dr Jessica Savage from the University of Portsmouth presented research projects currently underway on the Isle of Wight examining nurdle pollution and pollution linked to shipping.
Kate Fraser-Smith from Oracle Environmental Experts, supported by Aaron Wren, explained the toxic chemicals found in and on nurdles. They also presented a case study following the collision between Solong and Stena Immaculate in 2025, which released trillions of plastic pellets into the ocean and polluted parts of the UK’s east coast.
Local marine biologist and photographer Theo Vickers also spoke about the impact of nurdle pollution on marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on local marine life.
Planet Aware volunteers also presented on nurdle and cigarette butt pollution, highlighting environmental impacts and outlining possible prevention measures. They also discussed progress since their first conference, including a new EU directive aimed at regulating the transport and supply chain of nurdles, which the group hopes the UK will adopt.
Attendees viewed displays covering other aspects of marine pollution including shipping waste, fishing debris and coastal bin infrastructure. Councillors were invited to support a new Planet Aware campaign promoting coastal-themed cigarette butt awareness posters.
Creative displays by local artists Wendy Welsford, Steffi Haynes of Sea Fever Ceramics and Hannah George also featured at the event, highlighting the environmental impact of nurdles. Planet Aware hopes to stage a larger exhibition during the next Great Nurdle Hunt in October 2026.
Sarah Marshall, a Planet Aware volunteer said:
“All the hard work organising this event was certainly worth our while because so many people came along to support it. We hope people will share what they have learned and take action on the pollutants discussed.
“We are especially grateful to all our guest speakers who gave their time freely to support this event, particularly FIDRA and Oracle Environmental Experts who have supported us regarding nurdle pollution for some time.”
So far this year the volunteer group has removed more than one and a half large skips worth of rubbish from Isle of Wight beaches. Further beach cleans, nurdle hunts and educational activities are planned throughout the year, alongside hopes for a nurdle awareness art exhibition in October.
Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Planet Aware at [email protected]. More information about the Great Nurdle Hunt can be found at www.nurdlehunt.org.uk.
Let’s hope no one is wearing any polyester mix clothing
I thought plastic battery Vapes were BANNED, you see them
everywhere, on beaches etc.
THEY NEED BANNING!