00:01Around 28% of plastic nurdles spilled into the River Tyne have been recovered, according
00:06to scientific work. Almost 18 tonnes entered the river after a ship collision at the Port
00:11of Tyne in July, but over 5 tonnes have been collected.
00:16Newcastle University and CFAS say nurdles are likely to have dispersed into the North
00:22Sea, while some may remain in river systems. They say wash-ups on beaches are possible
00:28depending on weather, winds and tides. North-East Mayor Kim McGuinness has commissioned an independent
00:33review and supports changes to international transport rules. Scientists say recovery of
00:39every nurdle is not considered achievable.
