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Millions of Plastic Pellets Blanket Camber Sands, Prompting Pet Alerts and Large-Scale Cleanup

An investigation into the source is underway, with initial beach water tests showing no impact.

Overview

  • Rother District Council reports a multi‑mile contamination by tiny biobeads and nurdles on Camber Sands, describing quantities in the millions.
  • Officials urge dog owners to keep pets on leads because ingesting pellets can cause blockages and severe internal injury requiring urgent veterinary care.
  • Rother District Council is leading the cleanup with charities Nurdle and Strandliners using specialist suction and microplastic removal equipment.
  • Southern Water and the Environment Agency are investigating the origin of the pellets, and Southern Water says its sampling has detected no change in environmental water quality.
  • Local MP Helena Dollimore has pressed Southern Water for answers, citing a severe incident over roughly two miles and reports of unusually high recent seal and porpoise deaths that require investigation.