A Pembrokeshire-based marine biologist says she's determined to ensure a brighter future for the amazing world of the Welsh coastline as she takes on a key role for the UK's leading marine charity.

Dr. Lou Luddington, 39, from Solva, has been appointed as the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Welsh projects officer. She will spend most of her time working with people and organisations across the Principality helping to combat the issue of rising marine litter in Welsh seas and on the country's beaches.

Lou, who received her doctorate at the School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales in Bangor, says her passion for improving the state of Welsh seas is a starting point for the work she will be doing with MCS in Wales.

"Although I was born in land locked Oxfordshire, I've lived in Wales for over 20 years and I'm passionate about the marine environment here and want to get everyone else as excited as I am! In my work with MCS I want to help people who live in Wales, and those who visit the country, to understand why Welsh seas need our help and why they are under threat from our own activities. The good news is that we can all have a hand in the solution, just by changing our habits."

Lou, whose post has been funded by Environment Wales, has extensive knowledge of Welsh waters and the coastline. She's worked on the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve and dived and surveyed many marine areas around Wales. A keen surfer, Lou has also worked in the area of marine environmental education through her company, Luddington Marine. She spends all her spare time near the water, kayaking, snorkeling and climbing.

"I know there are thousands of people just like me who love the sea around Wales and enjoy spending time on our wonderful beaches. I'm hoping these people will become our next generation of champions of the sea. One of the best ways to get involved is by joining in with Beachwatch Big Weekend on September 17 and 18. Wales has a particular problem with beach litter. Last year MCS was dismayed that the overall amount of litter within Wales had risen by nine per cent. However, what was even more worrying was that when we look at the individual sources of litter, sewage-related debris has risen by a massive 110 per cent. We can easily stop this disgusting source of litter from reaching Welsh beaches by not using the toilet as a wet bin and not putting items such as cotton bud sticks and sanitary waste down the pan."

Lou would love to hear from people who would like to get involved in the work MCS does in Wales and can be contacted on 07848 464700 or at [email protected]">[email protected]