AN ABERPORTH woman is part of an all-female scientific research voyage circumnavigating the British Isles in 30 days trawling for plastics and toxics in the oceans as they sail.

Gail Tudor is a member of the crew of the Sea Dragon, which docked in Cardiff recently and to mark the visit, a reception was held at the National Assembly.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Simon Thomas, hosted the crew and supporters of the expedition.

Gail was greeted by Mr Thomas, her local councillor Gethin Davies and Ceredigion MP Ben Lake at the shore side.

The crew is travelling around Britain’s coast to raise awareness of the effects of single-use plastic in our waters.

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Mr Thomas said: “If you have had the chance during our rather wet summer to get down to the beach I am sure you will have seen the myriad plastic bottles and bits of fishing gear that now litter so many.

“The expedition’s slogan, ‘making the unseen seen’, poses a challenge for us here in Wales because we have considerable powers to reduce our use and waste of plastics.

“The single most effective action would be to recycle all plastic bottles which account for 33 per cent of marine litter, through a deposit return scheme. Earlier this year I secured majority support in principle in the Assembly for a deposit return scheme.

“A deposit-return scheme would mean customers pay a small additional charge for plastic bottles. They would be paid back when they return the empties. This would encourage people who do not already recycle and will introduce an element of resource saving into our economy.

“This scheme could be available for plastic cans and bottles as well as metal and glass ones.”

Ceredigion MP Mr Lake added: “We are fortunate in Ceredigion to have spectacular beaches and clean seas. This environment is good for tourism and for local people’s health.

“I was delighted to support the campaign to remove plastic from our shores and seas. The Sea Dragon expedition also raises awareness of things we can do locally to address what is a serious global problem.”