Take a stand against plastic pollution and safeguard ocean life by joining the Two Oceans Aquarium and FNB Love Your World Programme Initiative for a beach cleanup at Surfers’ Corner, Muizenberg, on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to marine ecosystems, especially to endangered sea turtles. Shockingly, statistics reveal that a staggering 70% of turtles undergoing rehabilitation at the Turtle Conservation Centre had consumed plastic in 2023.

These turtles excreted a distressing total of 490 plastic pieces, with an average of 11 pieces per turtle. During the 2022 stranding season, 62% of rehabilitated turtles excreted plastic, totaling 618 pieces, with an average of 16 pieces per turtle.

Tragically, turtles mistake plastic debris for food, leading to a slow and agonizing fate as their stomachs become clogged with indigestible plastic pieces, leaving them unable to eat actual food.

The Turtle Conservation Centre and FNB are urging the public to take responsibility for their plastic use and disposal habits.

Talitha Noble, Turtle Conservation Centre Manager, emphasized the importance of making conscious decisions to reduce plastic consumption and waste, such as opting for fresh produce over pre-packaged items, avoiding single-use plastics like balloons and straws, and embracing recycling and upcycling practices.

The upcoming beach cleanup at Surfers’ Corner presents an opportunity for individuals to actively contribute to the protection of marine life.

Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, buckets for collecting trash, weather-appropriate clothing, reusable water bottles, and, most importantly, enthusiasm for making a positive impact.

The event will run from 09h00 to 12h00, with a chance to win exciting prizes at the on-site lucky draw. Families and friends are invited to come together for a day of fun while making a meaningful difference in the fight against plastic pollution.

Helen Lockhart, Two Oceans Aquarium Conservation and Sustainability Manager, emphasized the vital role of community engagement in beach cleanups.

“Trash Bash cleanups provide opportunities to demonstrate concern for the health of our oceans and showcase how individual actions can have a significant impact. Together with FNB, we aim to expand the Trash Bash community across Cape Town, uniting efforts to protect marine life from the devastating effects of plastic pollution,” Lockhart said.

Let’s join hands to clean our beaches, protect sea turtles, and preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans for future generations!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday 6 April 2024
• Times: 09h00 to 12h00
• Location: Surfers’ Corner, Muizenberg
• What to bring: Gloves, a bucket to collect trash, weather-appropriate clothing, drinking water (in a reusable bottle), and your enthusiasm.
• Win Make sure you stay until the end and stand a chance to win incredible prizes at our on-site lucky draw!