(Image: Sunderland City Council)
A clean-up operation is still under way to tackle nurdles washing up along the coastline.
Sunderland City Council teams have been working with environmental experts and partner organisations to address the pollution caused from the ship collision on the Tyne, which has affected beaches across the region.
Plastic nurdles, small pellets used in manufacturing, have been washing up along the shore since, prompting ongoing cleaning efforts.
Sunderland City Council said: "Since plastic nurdles were first reported on our beaches, council teams have continued to work with partner organisations and environmental experts to support the regional clean-up and recovery effort.
"While we've seen a significant reduction in the number of nurdles washing up on Sunderland beaches this week, the clean-up and recovery effort is ongoing, and we'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has been involved so far, especially our staff, partners and the volunteers who have given up their time and energy to support the clean-up."
The council said clean-up teams are on standby as high tides are expected this weekend, which could bring more nurdles onto the beaches.
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Officials have advised volunteers to follow safety guidance and thanked the community for their continued support.
The council said: "Thank you to everyone supporting the ongoing clean-up efforts and helping us protect our coastline."
Nurdle collection points have been set up along the coast so that anything collected can be screened and weighed to help assess the environmental impact.