A north-east aquarium is inviting people to take part in a beach clean in a bid to make the sea safer for sharks.
Macduff Marine Aquarium is teaming up with shark research and conservation organisation, Saltwater Life, for the first big beach clean of its kind in Scotland as part of its “shark season” from October 12-27.
The Shark Beach Clean is a global initiative to make the ocean safer for the predators and other marine mammals that are negatively impacted by litter, either by eating it or becoming tangled.
These seasonal events aim to help marine mammals and are run in collaboration with the Shark and Marine Institute in South Africa and the Bimini Biological Field Station in the Bahamas.
Marine Biologist Dr Lauren Smith, who set up the tidy-up, said: “This is a good hands-on opportunity for people for people to get involved in the beach clean and have an introduction to shark education.”
Learning Officer at Macduff Marine Aquarium, Marie Dare, said: “We hope to raise awareness about the issues sharks face locally and nationally.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Lauren and Saltwater Life for the first Scottish Shark Beach Clean.”
Some equipment will be provided on the day but people with their own gear are being encouraged to bring it along to the event.
People are also advised to wear warm clothing for the beach clean.
The Shark Beach Clean will take place on Friday October 18 from 8.45am to 10am at Tarlair Swimming Pool in Macduff.
