Protecting our ocean

South Tyneside Council made an Ocean Recovery Declaration on 13 January 2022.

This means we are committed to take action to improve the health of the ocean.

We are the first Council in the North of England, and the third Council in the UK, to make this declaration.

A healthy ocean is vital for our:

• climate
• health and wellbeing
• our future prosperity

Currently, the ocean is not in good health because of human activity and climate change.

We are committed to playing our part, but local government can't solve the ocean crisis alone.

You can also take action to improve the state of the ocean.

Our commitment to ocean recovery

We are the first Council in the North of England to declare a Ocean Recovery Declaration and support a global Motion for the Ocean campaign.

We have committed to doing all we can to recover the health of our ocean.

This is to:

• protect our beautiful coast and precious wildlife
• improve residents' health and wellbeing and reduce pressure on the NHS
• boost the local economy and create new jobs for local people
• reduce the inequality in who can access the ocean and support the most disadvantaged in our community
• provide the best future we can for our children and grandchildren

What we have already done

Taking action to protect our ocean isn't new to the Council, though we have acknowledged that we want and need to do more.

We have already recognised the value of the ocean in helping us meet our commitment to being carbon neutral by 2030 and in protecting our beautiful coastline.

We are delivering action already through the Stronger Shores project, which we are leading on behalf of other local authorities in the North East.

We are founding partners of the SeaScapes scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, which is better connecting our local communities with the ocean.

Other activity includes the development of a South Tyneside Animal Protection Charter and beach water designation along our coastline.

What we will do

As a result of our Ocean Recovery Declaration, we will take the following actions:

• develop an action plan to build on ocean recovery activity in South Tyneside
• consider ocean recovery in everything we do, from our strategic decisions and budgets, to planning, economic growth, skills, and education
• work with partners to develop a sustainable blue economy - an economy that creates new jobs without damaging the marine environment
• give all schoolchildren the opportunity to experience the sea by the time they leave primary school, extending this offer to involve home-schooled children 

We are committed to playing our part, but local government can't solve the ocean crisis alone. 

80% of marine litter comes from the land and we all have a role to play to reduce this.

Below are some examples of what you can do to make a real difference.

Tell us about what you've done - share with us on social media @LoveSTyneside using the hashtag LoveSouthTyneside.

What businesses can do

You can:

• end the use of balloons for any promotion and don't get involved in any balloon releases.
• reduce the use of single use items such as plastic knives and forks.
• reward customers, such as providing them with an incentive if they bring their own reusable containers or cutlery.
• pick up litter in and around your business.
• encourage or support local community activities such as litter picks. 
• reduce your carbon footprint.
• make sure that the correct items go down the drain - no cooking fat, wet wipes or other items.
• sell only sustainable seafood, ideally caught locally and in season.

What residents can do

South Tyneside residents really make a difference to our environment and our towns and neighbourhoods.

Please try to:

• put all your litter in a bin or take it home with you.
• recycle your waste - there's lots of items you can recycle.
• join an organised beach clean or litter pick - you can find details of any taking place at Love South Tyneside.
• don't release balloons or sky lanterns, they can harm or kill birds and marine wildlife. Instead, consider a memorial or celebration event that includes an activity such as bubble blowing.
• shop local in South Tyneside, buying only sustainable seafood ideally locally caught and in season.
• reduce single-use items at home or when you are out and about. For example, if you're going for a picnic take your own reusable containers or cutlery with you.
• make sure that only the correct items go down the toilet or drain - no cooking fat, wet wipes or other items.
• walk or cycle to reduce your carbon footprint.
• don't light fires on beaches or in the parks - only have BBQs where signs say it is allowed.
• bag your dog waste and put it in the bin (any litter bin will do) - never hang a bag on a tree or leave it on the ground.
• volunteer with an organisation such as SeaScapes. Individuals, community groups or schools can get involved.

Even if you don't live at the coast your actions will have an impact.

For example, litter dropped elsewhere in the borough (even as small as a cigarette end) can eventually end up in the sea.

What visitors can do

You can help protect our beautiful coastline and countryside by following the Countryside Code.

• put litter in the nearest bin or take it home with you - if you brought it, take it home.
• don't feed or harm the wildlife.
• follow any guidance messages about the use of disposable BBQs.
• leave only footprints on our beaches.

You can also encourage your Council to make their own Ocean Recovery Declaration and to take action to protect the ocean.

For more details, see Ocean Conservation Trust: Motion for the Ocean.

We have asked the government to:

• properly fund Inshore Fisheries and Conservation authorities.
• develop national policy in collaboration with coastal communities.
• appoint a dedicated Minister for Coastal Communities.
• produce a national Ocean Recovery Strategy.
• stop plastic pollution at source.