Written by: Purnille Albertyn
There is something magical about the beach – the sound of the waves crashing, the feel of warm sand beneath your feet, and the wide-open sky. But for many of our favourite coastlines, that magic is being threatened. Plastic bottles, cigarette butts, broken glass, fishing lines, food wrappers, microplastics and other pollutants are dangerous to marine life and damaging to our ecosystems.
On 11 April 2025, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve Extension Officer, Dr Wilhelm de Beer and Purnille Albertyn (GCBR Intern) joined The Still Bay Coastal Beach Clean-Up Group for a beach and river clean-up. The event organised by Clifton Donald was a great success as we managed to collect 30 bags of waste at the beach and along the Goukou river within minutes.
The amount of trash we found along the river alone, was quite disturbing to see. That is why clean-up initiatives like this are more than just a feel-good activity; they are a vital act of stewardship for our planet.
Why Beach Clean-Ups Matter:
Every piece of litter removed from the shore is one less hazard for marine life, reducing the threat of sea creatures getting entangled or ingesting our garbage. It is not just an environmental crisis; it is a biodiversity emergency.
Beach Clean-Ups Help Reduce:
• Pollution entering our oceans.
• Protect marine animals and habitats.
• Improve the aesthetic and health of local beaches.
• Raise community awareness and responsibility.
What you can do:
• Bring a bag on your next beach walk and collect what you see.
• Say no to single-use plastics.
• Educate your friends and family.
• Support organisations protecting marine environments.
Join The Movement:
We are proud of what we achieved together, but the work does not stop here. We invite everyone to be involved, whether by attending future clean-ups, reducing plastic use at home, or supporting our programmes.
If you live in the area please consider joining the next Coastal Clean-Up outing and make a difference. Send a WhatsApp to 082 457 1135 to be added to the Still Bay Coastal Clean-Up Group.
