Southbroom tackles coastal litter
Among the biggest finds were small pieces of foam and plastic, plastic packets and bottles, as well as 26 metres of discarded fishing line.
Southbroom residents joined forces with conservation groups and local organisations for International Coastal Cleanup Day, highlighting the growing impact of plastic, fishing gear and other waste on the marine environment.
Southbroom Conservancy, in partnership with Oceanfriendly South Africa, brought community members together on the beach for the cleanup, which also included marine scientist Dr Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Saps members, Wolf Security and Southbroom Surf School.
The cleanup provided an opportunity for people of all ages to contribute while gaining a better understanding of the types of waste reaching the ocean.
Among the biggest finds were small pieces of foam and plastic, plastic packets and bottles, as well as 26 metres of discarded fishing line.
Fabric and clothing were also found among the debris, while ghost fishing gear highlighted the ongoing threat posed by discarded fishing equipment.
The cleanup formed part of wider efforts with Wessa Greencoast’s #StopTheStrangle initiative, which focuses on preventing marine animals from becoming entangled in discarded fishing gear and other waste.
Deborah is a prominent marine scientist, whale specialist, and a key community champion within the WESSA Green Coast Programme. Her work directly intersects with the #StopTheStrangle initiative through her leadership in citizen science and coastal cleanup events.
Taryn Burns, founder of Oceanfriendly South Africa and a member of Southbroom Conservancy, said the event demonstrated the importance of communities taking responsibility for their local environment.
“Every pair of hands made a difference. What we find on these cleanups gives us valuable insight into what is ending up in our ocean, and it is often the small pieces of plastic and foam that can easily make their way into the marine environment.”
Taryn said the event was also about bringing people together to care for the coastline.
“This is what an Oceanfriendly community looks like – people coming together to care for the place we call home.”
She encouraged other communities to organise cleanups where needed.
Residents or community groups wanting assistance with a cleanup can contact Taryn on 076-078-7189.
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