The Irish coastal environment group has cautioned that complacency is not an option. Coastwatch Ireland recorded the lowest average bottle count in 25 years of surveys during its yearly autumn marine litter survey, which covers 542 sites.


It has decreased to just under eight bottles per km in 2024 from a peak of 100 bottles per kilometre in 2010.


Coastwatch Ireland discovered a decline in the number of sites where at least one item was discovered.


Karin Dubsky, the group's founder, stated that although there is cause for celebration, caution is also necessary. "A huge effort is needed to push the circular economy and a new approach to plastics", she stated.


Marine litter has decreased over the past ten years as a result of awareness campaigns and community cleanup initiatives, but "since February 2024, the newly introduced deposit/return system on plastic drinks, bottles, and cans has really made a difference," said Mick Berry, Coastwatch Ireland's Wexford coordinator.


However, the poll discovered that expanded polystyrene containers, straws, and plastic cutlery that have been prohibited by Irish and EU law since July 2021 continue to be an issue.


Additionally, it discovered that plastic fishing and aquaculture gear, ropes, and string are the most common types of litter currently reported, with over 70% of coasts containing these items.