Help tackle marine pollution at Mouille Point
Children interact with a penguin mascot during a previous Trash Bash beach cleanup organised by the Two Oceans Aquarium at Mouille Point in Cape Town.
Image: Supplied/ Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is inviting residents to help tackle marine pollution by joining its first Trash Bash beach cleanup of the year at Mouille Point Beach on Saturday, March 14.
The family-friendly event will take place from 9am to 11am and encourages volunteers of all ages to spend the morning removing litter from the coastline while learning more about the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
Organisers say the cleanup forms part of the Aquarium’s ongoing efforts to build an environmentally aware community and encourage practical action to protect ocean health.
Participants are encouraged to bring sunblock, a hat, water in a reusable bottle and reusable gloves such as gardening or dishwashing gloves. The event will conclude with a lucky draw prizegiving for volunteers.
According to the Aquarium, beach litter commonly found along Cape Town’s coastline includes plastic bags, bottles, straws, sweet wrappers, cigarette butts, fishing line and bottle tops. Volunteers have also previously collected polystyrene takeaway containers, toothbrushes and nurdles, small plastic pellets used in manufacturing.
Helen Lockhart, conservation and sustainability manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium, said cleanups play an important role in preventing waste from entering the ocean.
“Beach cleanups are vital as they prevent plastic and other waste from being washed into the ocean. Every piece of litter removed is one less threat to marine wildlife,” she said.
Lockhart added that the data collected during cleanups can also contribute to research into marine pollution trends.
Plastic pollution poses significant risks to marine life, with seabirds, turtles, seals and fish often mistaking plastic for food or becoming entangled in discarded fishing line and packaging materials. As plastics break down, they also release chemicals and form microplastics that are difficult to remove from the marine environment.
Heather Wares, communications manager at the Aquarium, said the event is designed to bring the community together while promoting environmental responsibility.
“As we enjoy the last months of summer in our beautiful city, we’re reminded that protecting our coastline is a shared responsibility,” she said.
Wares said the cleanup, which takes place close to the Aquarium, offers an opportunity for families and residents to take practical action for ocean conservation.
The Aquarium has encouraged Capetonians, visitors and ocean enthusiasts to participate, saying small collective actions can help reduce pollution and protect marine life along the city’s coastline.