People in Scotland believe sewage and chemical pollution pose the biggest threat to the health of our seas, according to new research.

The opinion poll, conducted by Survation on behalf of the environmental coalition Scottish Environment LINK, also found high levels of public concern over litter and the impact of climate change on our seas.

9 in 10 Scots say that it is important to them personally that Scotland’s seas are in a healthy state, according to the poll. But sea health is being damaged by a range of factors, including plastic, chemical and sewage pollution.

The results align with other surveys across the UK where people see marine litter and plastic pollution as the greatest threats to our marine environment.

Public value what the marine environment offers to their mental and physical health

In a separate study published recently, a survey revealed the overwhelming value the public feel the marine environment offers to their mental and physical health. The survey, published in November by Defra in collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust, the Scottish Government and Natural Resources Wales, shed light on public awareness, knowledge and attitudes surrounding the marine environment.

Public in the dark

One factor concerning environmental charities is the lack of monitoring of sewage releases in Scotland – with the public left in the dark over the scale of the problem.

Sanitary waste such as wet wipes and cotton bud sticks can end up in our seas when sewers overflow due to heavy rainfall or insufficient capacity in the network. Evidence from Marine Conservation Society volunteer Beachwatch litter surveys suggest a higher level of sewage related debris on Scottish beaches than in England and Wales, where monitoring rules are stricter.

Scottish Water monitor only 9% of storm overflows, and are required to monitor only 3%. In comparison, over 80% of overflows in England and Wales are monitored, with a commitment for 100% to be monitored by the end of 2023.

Calum Duncan, Convener of the Scottish Environment LINK Marine Group and Head of Conservation for Scotland at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “Scotland’s beaches are beautiful – but anybody who has visited one in recent years will have noticed pollution being washed up on our shores.

Further information can be found on the Scottish Environment LINK website here.