North Tyneside Council is hoping its latest recycling mascot will help to turn the tide on plastic pollution.
The six-foot fish sculpture, made entirely from litter collected along the coast, has been installed near the Dome, in Whitley Bay, as part of the council’s anti-plastic campaign.
The fish, who is yet to be given a name, replaces Martin the Seal, who is going into retirement.
The sculpture is made from various types of beach debris, including plastic bottles, straws, empty food cartons, and plastic bags, all transformed into a remarkable work of art.
The installation will tour the coast serving as a powerful reminder of the impact of plastic pollution.
With the help of community volunteers and local businesses, the council removes thousands of tonnes of rubbish from the beaches each year.
This campaign aims to reduce single-use plastics through various initiatives, such as the installation of drinking fountains along the coast to reduce bottle waste.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, North Tyneside’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, we've been committed to reducing our carbon footprint. This campaign is just one of many projects aimed at creating a more sustainable North Tyneside. Small actions, like reusing bottles, can significantly reduce single-use plastics and their harmful effects on our environment.”
The council hopes the sculpture will spark conversations and inspire residents and visitors to take action towards a cleaner, safer environment.
The piece was created by local artists Beth Huttly and Amy Welch.
Beth said: “We hope this sculpture draws attention to the critical issue of plastic pollution.”
Encased in a perspex cube and set on a bed of rubbish, the fish will visit six different locations along the North Tyneside coastline.
A competition will be held to name the fish, engaging the community further in the fight against plastic waste.
