Coastal pollution

Information on coastal pollution on beaches following the North Sea tanker collision in March 2025

Background

On 10 March 2025, the Mv Solong (a container ship) collided with the Mv Stena Immaculate (an oil tanker) in the North Sea, just off the east coast of Yorkshire.

This collision resulted in a release of plastic nurdles into the sea which were being carried within some of the cargo containers on the Mv Solong.

Over the following days, the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) began to monitor for signs of any pollution at sea which could come ashore. On 16 March 2025, nurdle pollution began to wash ashore in Norfolk and Lincolnshire coastline.

This resulted in a multi-agency response between government agencies and landowners to remove nurdle pollution from affected beaches.

Beach clean-up operations

The Borough Council’s clean-up teams, alongside other agencies and landowners undertook daily beach cleans, removing nurdle pollution from beaches in West Norfolk during March and April 2025.

A reactive service to reports of nurdle pollution by landowners and members of the public was then provided by the Borough Council until May 2025.

We also procured a specialist contractor, Oracle, to use mechanical vacuums to collect individual nurdles at Brancaster, Titchwell, Holme-next-the-Sea and Old Hunstanton. This resulted in over 900,000 individual nurdles being removed from these beaches.

Next steps

Clean-up activities continue to take place on West Norfolk beaches impacted by nurdle pollution.

The Council has now scaled back its direct role in clean-up operations due to significantly less and more sporadic nurdle pollution being observed.

The start of bird nesting season in April also means access to certain parts of the beach is restricted to avoid adverse impacts on nesting birds.

However, we continue to support landowners by inspecting beaches for pollution alongside providing landowners with the equipment needed to undertake their own beach clean-up operations.

Individual landowners are now leading on pre-planned clean-up operations on their sections of coast, and will be arranging volunteer beach cleans to take place over the summer.

Frequently asked questions

What are nurdles?

Nurdles are small plastic pellets which are the raw material used to make plastic products.

What does the nurdle pollution look like?

Two distinct types of nurdle pollution can be found:

• Individual un-burnt and charred nurdles
• Burnt fused nurdle mats

What should I do if I find nurdle pollution?

Small loose (individual) nurdles can be collected and disposed of via normal waste bins. Landowners have been given PPE, sieves and other equipment to assist with collection.

We advise that burnt fused nurdle mats are not handled without appropriate PPE (gloves) and if found, landowners are contacted who have PPE and equipment to assist with their collection and appropriate disposal.

We would also remind everyone that impacted beaches are safe to visit, but would suggest dog owners are mindful of letting their dogs eat plastic debris. Members of the public should also not directly pick up the material without wearing appropriate gloves.

Why is nurdle pollution a problem?

Nurdles are plastic pollutants that don’t break down easily. The can absorb harmful chemicals, making them dangerous when ingested. Many marine animals mistake them for food, leading to health issues, starvation and death. 

Who should I contact if I find nurdle pollution?

Who to contact regarding nurdle pollution will vary depending on what beach you are on and who the relevant landowner is.