Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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25 Aug 2020

International Coastal Clean-up to take place in September

(Northglen News) Picture: Plastic bottle tops, polystyrene fragments, ear buds and plastic bottles are common items found littering the beaches.

While beach clean-ups have been prohibited during the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) is hoping to find a way to commemorate International Coastal Clean-up day as regulations ease. The international event usually takes place on 18 September.  However, in the interest of social distancing, SAAMBR is hoping to spread the clean-up over a longer period from 18 – 23 September.

SAAMBR spokesperson, Ann Kunz said it appears that beach clean-ups will be allowed in level 2 lockdown.

“It is important to check with your local authority to make sure your local beach is open before organising a clean-up. Please also check with your local municipality if there are any regulations for your chosen beach clean-up location,” she said.

SAAMBR is encouraging communities to organise small local clean-ups where permitted.

“We would like to encourage conservancy groups, schools and families to participate and keep within the legislated restrictions of being in a group of less than 50 people, wearing a mask and keeping a social distance at all times. The additional use of gloves are encouraged where possible,” added Kunz.

According to Kunz there is a lot of work to do after months of litter build up during the lockdown.

“It has been a long time since our beaches have had any attention in terms of clean-ups. So it seems fitting that the International Coastal Clean-up for 2020 is going to be one of the first under the new rules,” she added.

The eThekwini Municipality declared beaches are allowed to be open under level 2 lockdown, for activities such jogging on the sand, walking, running and yoga. Swimming in the ocean remains prohibited.

The International Coastal Clean-up is a global event with more than 100 countries participating. Groups of up to 50 people who want to clean the beach need to sign up before 4 September 2020. Visit the SAAMBR website for a registration form via www.saambr.org.za.

 

Online Article