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29/04/2012 14:55:54

Black-throated diver killed by litter

April 2012. A black-throated diver was found tangled in litter in  Chichester Harbour  at the weekend.

The bird, which overwinters on the open seas, including off the South Coast, was discovered by the Chichester Harbour Patrol. A net bag, like the ones used for logs, was tangled around its wing. The bird was found floating in the harbour near the entrance to the Bosham Channel.

Ed Rowsell, Conservation Officer for Chichester Harbour Conservancy, said ‘it is distressing to see a wild seabird's life ended in this way, and due to the off-shore habits of this species, this bird is probably just one of many lost due to marine litter. It is up to all of us to be very careful about disposing of litter responsibly.'

188 bags of litter collected

Litter is regularly collected from the Harbour's shoreline by volunteers from the Conservancy's "Harbour Watch" scheme and regular Friends of Chichester Harbour work parties. The Conservancy also takes part in the national Beach Watch event each year, organised by the Marine Conservation Society. Last year alone, 188 bags of marine litter we collected from the Harbour's shoreline.

Any sightings of birds in distress should be reported to the RSPCA or Brent Lodge Bird and Wildlife Trust.

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