It’s no secret that our oceans are under threat from various angles – plastic pollution, over-fishing, mining etc, so when the opportunity presents to raise awareness and assist with education and knowledge sharing, The Green Net likes to be involved and proactive, and we urge all who love the ocean to become ‘Ocean Defenders’.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance visited Port Shepstone on September 9, to share information with local fisherfolk and all who enjoy the ocean, and who may even rely on it for food.
While there wasn’t a big crowd (the rugby probably had something to do with that) there were a lot of very interesting discussions and debates. The programme included Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the important role estuaries play as part of a larger ecosystem, the value of free-flowing rivers and also water testing.
Meeting at the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River below our iconic chequered lighthouse, with the wind whipping the spray off the ocean, witnessing the activity around us, we shared stories and perspectives and made plans for future events that will include bringing children who don’t normally have access to the sea down to The Block to get fishing rods and lessons, including ‘beach do’s and don’ts’, so that they may develop and nurture a respect and love for the ocean, becoming Ocean Defenders as well.
If this is something you would like to know more about, contact me via WhatsApp on 083 2667953.
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