Store news | 12 April 2023

SEA LIFE CANAL CLUTTER CLEAN UP

SEA LIFE centres across the UK are dedicated to the conservation and clean-ups of the nation’s beaches, however the team at SEA LIFE Manchester wanted to help the local community, so have shifted their focus to Manchester’s canals.

The team are seeking locals to volunteer for the clean-up programme, with the hope of not only removing litter from the canals, but also aiding the potential aquatic creatures that could be found in the city’s waters.

The main objective of the canal clean-up is the conservation and de-cluttering of the channels; however, volunteers will be encouraged to keep a keen eye out for any terrapins or turtles living in the waterways for the UK citizen project Turtle Tally.

Keeping an eye out for turtles and terrapins

Turtle Tally is an ongoing study aimed at collecting observational data on the locations where turtles and terrapins are spotted across the UK. Thanks to public input, organisations such as Turtle Tally can collect information to understand more on this topic and the wonderful sea (or canal) creatures.

Through working with Turtle Tally, SEA LIFE Manchester is helping to ascertain the impact invasive species such as these are having on British waterways. In addition, the project will raise awareness of not only the dangers posed to native habitats, but also how non-native species themselves can struggle to cope in the British climate.

Unfortunately, terrapins and turtles are often released by people who no longer want the creature as a pet and subsequently suffer in the environment due to competition for food and basking sites.

Matt Barker, Aquarist at SEA LIFE Manchester, said:

“Here at SEA LIFE, we are constantly committed to the conservation of our waters, whether that be through our beach cleans, or in this instance, our canal clean-ups.

“Through these conservation efforts, we aim to create a healthier environment for marine life to thrive, whilst also encouraging others to think harder about the consequences of cluttering waterbodies."

SEA LIFE Manchester have recognised the importance of access to outdoor space for all.

Our local canals in the area see tons of litter (and larger items!) dumped there every year. SEA LIFE Manchester conduct canal cleans every month and we need your help!

Join them to help keep our local canals litter free to help protect the creatures and our environment and you will get yourself FREE entry into SEA LIFE Manchester so you will feel great too!

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