Understand
Dead seabird tests carried out after Port of Tyne nurdle spill
Overview
Research and necropsies are being conducted at the Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats on dead seabirds collected across the North East following a major microplastic nurdle spill in the River Tyne. The spill occurred on 19 July after a ship collision at the Port of Tyne, releasing 18 tonnes of plastic pellets. Scientists are examining stomach contents to determine if birds are mistaking the nurdles for food, which could lead to starvation and toxins entering their systems. Approximately 28% of the spilled nurdles have been recovered so far, and the research on the birds is expected to continue into December.
Key points
- Necropsies are being performed on dead seabirds at the Dove Marine Laboratory following a microplastic nurdle spill in the River Tyne.
- The spill happened on 19 July after a collision between ships at the Port of Tyne, releasing 18 tonnes of plastic nurdles.
- Stomach contents of sampled birds, including guillemots, herring gulls, a gannet, and a pink-footed goose, have shown evidence of regurgitation containing nurdles.
- Researchers are concerned that seabirds may mistake the floating plastic pellets for fish eggs or food, risking starvation and the ingestion of attached pollutants.
- Charities such as the RSPB have warned that the pellets could enter the wider food chain, affecting fish, seals, and dolphins.
- Only 28% of the spilled plastic nurdles have been recovered, and cleanup efforts along North East beaches are ongoing.