Plastic Patrol resumes cleanups

Writer: Sarah Taylor.

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.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 7)