Swimming for ocean protection
Studies show that 350kg of plastic waste enter the ocean every second
RAISING awareness of the dangers of plastic in our oceans and waterways, South African endurance swimmer Sarah Ferguson recently completed a 100km ocean swim in the waters off the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Taking six days, the swim covered parts of Africa’s largest transfrontier marine protected area, which spans a total of 300km of unbroken coastline between Mozambique and South Africa.
Ferguson carried out her swim in the name of ‘Breathe’, the NPO she founded which focuses on ocean conservation initiatives.
‘Being the first swim of its kind for me and my team, we did not know what to expect, and had to rely on our collective experience and the locals for guidance,’ said Ferguson after the event.
She said phenomenal weather conditions, ideal swimming conditions and encounters with marine life contributed to a life-changing experience.
PHOTO: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
‘Being totally exposed to the elements was utterly invigorating and freeing, while knowing that I was swimming for more than myself – taking a stand against a global environmental issue, and educating others on how to live and practice a plastic-free life.’
‘Sadly, I have to report that we did find plastic both in the ocean and on the beach, even in some of the remotest areas.
‘I knew that there was purpose with every stroke I took – to create awareness of the plight of plastic pollution – and this sense of responsibility continues to weigh heavily on me.’
In recent years, the environmental impacts of plastic pollution have been revealed and this year’s World Environment Day theme was announced as ‘beating plastic pollution’.
‘Plastic pollution is particularly insidious because, once plastics enter into the environment, they do not biodegrade, but simply break down into smaller pieces over time,’ said Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa.
‘This has a detrimental effect on our environment, more so once this pollution enters our oceans, and endangers marine life and fragile marine ecosystems.’
According to the African Marine Waste Network, it is estimated that 350kg of plastic waste enters the ocean every second.
By 2045 there could be as much as 600kg of waste entering the ocean every second.
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