The MCS said Wales was "a victim of geography" over litter

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said that 2,524 items of rubbish were found per kilometre on Welsh beaches in the Beachwatch litter survey in 2006.

This is higher than the average for the UK and is a 44% increase on the country's total for 2005.

Volunteers in Wales found the main source of the problem was litter left by beach visitors.

Fishing debris was the second most common source of litter, while sewage-related debris was the third biggest issue.

The figures are based on data collected by volunteers during the annual clean-up operation run by the MCS in September 2006.

LITTER - ITEMS PER KM UK average - 1,988.7 Wales - 2,524.8 Scotland - 2,091.7 England - 1,979.8 Channel Islands - 1,646.2 Northern Ireland - 624.6

Gill Bell, from MCS said Wales' beaches were suffering from "a rising tide of litter".

She said: "Wales suffers from all sources of litter but is also a victim of geography and currents with litter not only coming from land-based sources but also being brought ashore by prevailing winds and currents.

"Regardless of the source, litter is on the increase and it is up to everyone to take responsibility - everyone must dispose of waste carefully and recycle where possible."

Earlier this month, the National Trust blamed inconsiderate visitors for an "alarming" increase in rubbish at Three Cliffs Bay on Gower and said the problem needed to be addressed.