More than 150 volunteers have joined a major coastal clean-up on Robben Island to remove more than two tonnes of marine debris from the island’s shoreline.
The initiative, held to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday 19 September, was organised by the Robben Island Museum (RIM), in partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages and other partners.
Robben Island is surrounded by a marine environment affected by pollution from fishing, recreational activities, shipping and other human activity in the waters around Cape Town.
Marine debris carried by ocean currents and winds can accumulate along the island’s coastline, posing a threat to seabirds and other wildlife. Plastic, fishing gear and ropes can cause animals to become entangled, ingest waste or suffer serious injuries.
RIM says regular clean-ups are important in protecting the island’s sensitive coastal and marine ecosystems and reducing the impact of marine pollution.
RIM CEO Leanne Williams says the initiative supports the museum’s Integrated Management Plan, which focuses on reducing risks to wildlife and habitats.
She says the clean-up is also about encouraging more responsible environmental practices and protecting endangered species, including the critically endangered African penguin.
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages says the initiative forms part of its efforts to reduce packaging waste through recycling, collaboration and community clean-up operations.
The three-hour clean-up covered the island’s coastline, with volunteers provided with protective equipment and refreshments.
As a thank-you for their efforts, participants were also treated to a private tour of the former prison before returning to Cape Town.
The organisers say the initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in protecting Robben Island’s biodiversity and addressing marine pollution along South Africa’s coastline.
