Mounds of marine trash cleared

Tons of man-made ocean debris removed from beaches

Dave Savides

September 21, 2016

DOZENS of medical drips, syringes and needles, two dead chickens, a jumping castle and a dead crocodile were among more than 10 tons of debris recovered during the annual international coastal cleanup on Saturday.

Despite the wind and rain, about 1 000 conservation minded volunteers joined Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff and Honorary Officers, covering 86km between Port Durnford and Nhlabane and collecting 2 658 bags of litter.

‘Most likely to find’ items (16 598) including plastic, wrappers, glass and tin plus numerous fishing related objects contributed considerably to the haul.

EKZNW District Conservation Managers Kevin Green and Frans Mthembu expressed thanks to the many volunteers who braved the conditions and the sponsors who contributed to the yearly initiative.