Clean coast for the world

ENVIRONMENTALLY conscious Durbanites will join thousands across the world tomorrow in efforts to clean up rubbish.

The operations will take place in honour of International Coastal Clean-up Day, which, according to activist organisation Ocean Conservancy, looks at “harnessing the power of people to fight ocean trash”.

“Today, plastic has been found in 62% of all sea birds and in 100% of sea turtle species,” it said.

Ocean Conservancy said more than 12 million people had been part of the world’s “biggest volunteer effort” to protect the ocean. Last year, more than 500000 volunteers around the world took part.

The organisation said collectively they picked up more than 8.3 million kilograms of rubbish.

KZN co-ordinator of the clean-up effort Caroline Reid told The Mercury that there were operations set up in uMhlanga, Blue Lagoon, KwaMashu, Hammarsdale, the Mangroves, Ushaka Marine World, eManzimtoti, Hibberdene, Margate and Port Shepstone.

“There are others as well. The operations start at 9am,” said Reid.

She encouraged people to participate in the event.