Beaches from Tongaat to Zinkwazi given a spring clean in aid of ocean conservation
Pupils and teachers of Iziphozethu Primary School with honorary officer Cheryl Wolhuter (back left) and Department of Environmental Affairs official, Teren Moonsamy (back right
By NOBUHLE ZULU
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In celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day, the uVemvane Tugela Honorary Officers hosted their annual beach clean-up last Friday.
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It is an initiative run by the Ocean Conservancy, in which the honorary officers have been participating since the 90s.
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The clean-ups took place at Zinkwazi, Blythedale, Ballito (Willard and Salmon Bay), Salt Rock (Granny’s Pool and main beach), M4 Tongaat bridge beach, and the Westbrook main beach.
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School pupils and community members were transported to the various beaches to help with the task.
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“We are here to clean the beach so we can save the fish!” said one of the pupils excitedly.
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Although the aim was to prevent the litter left on the beaches from entering the sea, the organisation also took the opportunity to teach the volunteers about the environment and the threat litter poses to marine life.
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Volunteers were given a list of trash items to pick up. As an item was collected, it was ticked off the list. This information is used by the organisation to identify litter problems within the area, and to come up with solutions.
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“There is a lot of river and water trash being fed into the ocean and it is causing serious problems for our marine life,” said organiser, Cheryl Wolhuter.
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A total of 167 bags were collected from the eight beaches. Candles, masks, plastic caps, syringes, underwear, bins and tyres were some of the items collected.
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Local businesses Sappi Gledhow Mill, Dischem (Lifestyle Centre), and the Blythedale and Zinkwazi ski boat clubs contributed by sponsoring refreshments and gloves.
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