While the ban will not carry fines or penalties it is hoped that it will still receive support from the public
Members of a local council have backed a motion to support a voluntary ban on the sale and use of plastic flying ring toys on council-owned beaches. The move by Neath Port Talbot Council aims to protect local marine wildlife from dangers posed by discarded plastics, in particular with the ringed frisbees which can be dangerous for seals.
It was brought to members attention by councillor Robert Wood at a full council meeting, with calls to discourage the use of the rings, specifically at Aberavon Beach and the associated Small Beach known as Little Warren.
Members also endorsed a campaign for a UK-wide ban on flying rings and asked that the council leader write to both Welsh Government and UK Government to support a legislative ban -with the council also set to raise awareness through its media channels.
Addressing the chamber, councillor Wood said with 38% of the global population of north Atlantic Grey seals found in the UK, south Wales now played a significant role in the conservation of the species.
He said: “These items pose a serious threat to marine wild-life, particularly seals. Young seals are naturally curious and may insert their heads in to the rings becoming entrapped.
“Once stuck the ring can cause serious injury, infection and ultimately death due to the inability of the animal to remove it. The cost of rehabilitating an animal can go up to £15,000.” Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Cllr Cen Phillips added: “We in Neath Port Talbot need to play our part in protecting our important habitats and raising public awareness of the issues at our local level.”
A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesperson said: “While the ban is voluntary and will not carry fines or penalties, it is hoped it will prompt support from both retailers and the public.
“The issue has already sparked widespread public concern, with more than 43,000 people signing a national petition and backing a campaign led by the UK Seal Alliance to eliminate these harmful toys from coastal areas.”
The move, which was supported unanimously in Neath Port Talbot, follows similar motions that have already been approved by both Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan Councils.
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