‘Yes’ to clean coastal living
It's not only the cleanliness of beaches at the forefront of this initiative, but also the potential threat to the coastal ecosystem posed by the proposed oil and gas drilling.
To mark International Coastal Clean-up Day this Saturday, September 21 South Coast communities are rolling up their sleeves and diving right in.
It’s not only the cleanliness of beaches at the forefront of this initiative, but also the potential threat to the coastal ecosystem posed by the proposed oil and gas drilling, mooted for some 65km off shore of Port Shepstone.
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The Department of Mineral Resources recently has granted Environmental Authorisation for the planned drilling of six deep-water wells within a prospecting block extending from Richard Bay in the north to Port Shepstone in the south.
Concern over this decision has been raised by many environmentally-aware South Coasters, including fishermen, tour operators, divers, surfers, and businesses, and petitions will be made available for signing.
Hayley Maisch, who runs a surf camp in Pumula said a lot of their guests came to the coast to see the whales and dolphins.
“Many of us rely on the business the ocean brings,” she said.
Those wishing to appeal must do so before September 30.
Petitions will be available for signing at the various clean-ups planned for Saturday.
Everyone is welcome to join in one (or more) of the following:
* Beekman Group will clean up at Umtentweni beach from 8am to noon. Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s environmental team, the National Sea Rescue Institute and the Mzimkhulu Honorary Officers Group will lend their support and there will be fun activities and competitions for children. Great prizes are up for grabs. Black bags and gloves will be provided. Contact Marcia Dlamini at 039 688 5402.
* The Green Net will be holding a clean-up at Port Shepstone beach and will be joined by surfers from Genesis Waves of Hope. Meet at the old ‘Sharks Den’ at Port Shepstone beachfront at 10am.
A a large, windproof bin for plastic waste, in an interesting and fun design, will be erected. Information about the proposed offshore mining will be provided, and a petition will be available for signing. Contact Helen Dodge at 084 987 2018.
* Umtentweni Conservancy will be supporting Bryan Schwegman in his mission to clean up Sunwich Port beach, from 8am. Bags will be provided but bring your own gloves. Contact Bryan at 081 274 0013.
* KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife and Shelly Beach Lions will be joining forces from 8am till 10am. Meet at the Shelly Beach Ski -boat Club. Contact Lion Paul Brauteseth at 082 5534745.
* There will be also be clean-ups at Southport, Port Edward and Wild Coast Sun beaches from 10am to 1pm.
* Join the Trafalgar Conservation group for a clean-up planned for Trafalgar main beach from 9am.
* Local accounting and auditing firms are also cleaning up: St Mike’s beach – Lockhat Inc; Port Shepstone beach- Hugh Strickland; Margate beach – Chantel Elliott.
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