A DAY highlighting the problem of plastic in the world’s oceans in Fishguard and Goodwick last Saturday has seen a group established to run similar future events and help the twin towns reduce their plastic footprint.

The day began at Fishguard library with a story session about plastic in the sea. Children then took part in a craft session where they created sea creatures from plastic rubbish. These are now proudly displayed on library walls.

A beach clean in Goodwick involving Keep Wales Tidy, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Point, Sea Cadets, Sea Trust and members of the public followed the unveiling of Goodwick's new two minute beachclean board which will permanently live down at Ocean Lab, looked after by Sea Trust.

Sea Trust also ran free workshops in Ocean Lab led by Anna and Holly. Children were shown around the aquarium and had the chance to look at micro plastic and plankton under a microscope, took part in a plastics quiz and made aquariums out of plastic rubbish.

A free screening of A Plastic Ocean at the Theatr Gwaun saw the cinema full with the audience members ranging in age from seven to 70 plus. The film showed how even the largest whales are threatened by plastic rubbish and how small particles of plastic in the sea combine with toxins and are getting into the food chain.

Local groups were also at the theatre with displays and information for people on how to cut down their plastic footprint.

£180 was towards getting another beachclean board for Lower town, at least double this is needed to get the board and any potential funders would be welcomed.

In conjunction with the workshops a competition has gone out to all schools in the Fishguard Cluster. The three categories are Innovative Ocean for secondary pupils; Arty Ocean for foundation phase children and Emotions Ocean for Key Stage 2. Lots of great prizes have been donated by Rapanui clothing, Seaways, Sea Trust, Theatre Gwaun, PCNPA, The Marine Conservation Society and Keep Wales Tidy. Entries will be judged on September 28 at the Ocean lab in Goodwick. Winners will then be notified via the schools.

“Hopefully this is the start of a group in Fishguard and Goodwick who want to put on future events,” said organiser Karel Mujica.

“There is a possibility of working with Swansea University to set up citizen initiatives to encourage local food retailers give up plastic containers, cups etc and replace those with veg starch or cardboard alternatives.

“Anyone who wants to be involved should contact Transition Bro Gwaun or Sea Trust.

“Thank you to Tracey at the Library, Point members, Transition Bro Gwaun especially Julie, Bruce and Tom Latter, Bab at the Green Party, Nikki at the national park, Kiri Howell at Keep Wales Tidy, Anna, Cliff and team at Sea Trust, Theatr Gwaun for hosting the film, stall holders, the health food shop for staying open and everyone who participated.”