Millions of plastic nurdles washed up on beaches following the ship collision

Research is being carried out to find out how a microplastic spillage has affected coastal sea bird populations.

On 19 July tonnes of microplastics known as nurdles were spilled into the River Tyne following a collision between ships at the Port of Tyne.

A series of necropsies are now taking place at the Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats on dead birds gathered after the spill.

Dan Turner, coordinator at North East England Beached Bird Surveys said: "We've already seen samples from contents of stomachs of suspected regurgitation which contain nurdles."

Necropsies will be carried out on a variation of seabirds gathered from across the North East including eight guillemots, five herring gulls, a gannet and a pink-footed goose.

Necropsies are being carried out on seabirds to find out the impact of the nurdle spill

The research was prompted over concerns birds could "starve" if they confuse the nurdles for food and fill their stomachs.

"We've seen evidence previously of fulmars eating plastic and they've been found in their stomachs, so it is highly likely we could come across the same in some cases," Turner added.

Charities like the RSPB have also warned the pellets could enter the wider food chain, affecting fish, seals and dolphins.

Dan Turner from the North East Bird Survey Group is carrying out the research

External and internal studies into the seabirds has started with stomach rinsing also taking place to see if the birds have been consuming the nurdles.

"It is quite possible that the seabirds have mistaken the plastic for fish eggs.

"The nurdles when they float attract pollutants and contaminants, which stick to them, if the birds swallow them it can be the case that they get into the bird's system.

"We may need more testing to see if the plastic can make its way into the bird's bloodstream which could cause a drop in the bird's fitness," Turner said.

Volunteers across North and South Tyneside continue to clean up the nurdles across the coast

Researchers have confirmed 28% of 18 tonnes of plastic nurdles which spilled into the river have been recovered since the spill.

Scientists predict that the plastic pellets will continue to wash up on North East beaches as the clean up continues.

Colin Porter who has been assisting the clean up in South Tyneside said: "We are very concerned about the wildlife populations, we've seen birds eating them and we know the fish have too."

The research on the birds is expected to continue into December.

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