The Mandela Day Plastic Patrol cleanup of the New Harbour in Hermanus resulted in almost 400kg of mostly plastic rubbish being collected in just three hours.
The event, an initiative of Kim ‘Sharklady’ MacLean with the support – and active participation on the day – of Harbour Master Nomonde Simon, was held on Saturday morning, 18 July and drew more than 50 dedicated volunteer cleaner-uppers who helped to clear the harbour’s rocks, cliffs, parking lots as well as the sea itself.
Kim was overwhelmed by the public’s response, especially during these trying times. “The open-hearted Madiba spirit was evident in the commitment shown by all these wonderful volunteers,” she said.
Three local divers lent their hands and flippers to drag out from underwater, among others, four cellphones, many lengths of rope and masses of tangled fishing line, which mean possible death for many a sea creature or bird.
Plastic Patrol is sponsored by Sharklady Adventures, Majestic Cruising and Pick n Pay. The events are responsibly managed under Covid-19 regulations, with compulsory social distancing, hand sanitisation and mask-wearing. Gloves and collection bags are provided, but volunteers must bring their own masks. No groups are permitted and all volunteers have to sign a register.
The next Plastic Patrol Cleanup will be on Saturday 1 August, from 10:00 (weather dependent). It will focus on the marine environment, making use of boats and jetskis. Interested volunteers can contact Kim on 083 746 8985. Divers are also welcome.
To get involved in future Plastic Patrol events, go to www.facebook.com/plasticpatrolhermanus/
The tally was as follows:
(Total weight 379kg)
Cigarette butts 1063
Food wrappers 513
Bottle caps metal 480
Grocery bags plastic 282
Bottles plastic 258
Bottles glass 219
Bottle caps plastic 192
Other plastic bags 155
Plastic/foam packaging 134
Straws 132
Tobacco packaging 127
Paper bags 112
Takeaway containers foam 108
Takeaway containers plastic 107
Beverage cans 107
Construction materials 91
Cigar tips 86
Fishing net & pieces 82
Cups, plates foam 79
Lids plastic 71
Strapping bands 67
Cups, plates paper 61
Cups, plates plastic 57
Forks, knives, spoons 48
Fishing line greater than 1m 47
Rope greater than 1m 43
Other plastic bottles 41
Condoms 38
Diapers 20
Tampons 15
Appliances 12
Fireworks 12
Fishing buoys, pots, traps 10
Lighters 10
Balloons 9
Six-pack holders 8
Syringes 4
Tyres 3
Tiny trash pieces less than 2.5cm:
Foam 350
Plastic 318
Glass 274
Other items picked up:
Cellphones 4
Jacket; backpack 1
Fishing rod 1
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