Highlighting the solutions to issues of marine and land-based pollution in South Africa this week were national industry body for PET plastic recycling, PETCO, and the African Marine Waste Network. Extrupet, Africa’s leading PET and HDPE bottle recycling company, joined forces with PETCO, the industry body responsible for PET recycling in South Africa, and the Kenton-based … [Read more...]
Ocean plastic-cleaning machine to tackle Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Scientists are preparing to launch the world's first machine to clean up the planet's largest mass of ocean plastic. The system, originally dreamed up by a teenager, will be shipped out this summer to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, between Hawaii and California, and which contains an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic. It will be the first ever attempt to tackle … [Read more...]
Top environmental awards dominated by women for first time
The world’s foremost environmental prize has announced more female winners than ever before, recognising the increasingly prominent role that women are playing in defending the planet. The struggle for a healthy planet may sometimes feel like a series of defeats, but this year’s Goldman environmental prize celebrates six remarkable success stories, five of them driven by … [Read more...]
Popular seafood restaurant urged to abandon single-use plastic
Greenpeace has launched a campaign urging Ocean Basket to expand its commitment to the environment by investing in biodegradable or reusable alternatives. The following single-use plastic items should be abandoned: Plastic, polystyrene and other non-recyclable containers Plastic bags Condiments in plastic sachets and/ or other in non-recyclable packaging … [Read more...]
Top 5 ways to help save sharks
The largest dive expo in Asia, ADEX, takes places this month in Singapore. This ninth ADEX expo is focussed on sharks – the first marine creature ADEX was dedicated to back in 2010. There will be presentations about sharks, and in particular about how people can help to ensure the survival of sharks for the next generation to enjoy. With the trade in shark products estimated … [Read more...]
Coral gardening initiative launched at Fiji resort
An iconic reort in Fiji recently launched a marine conservation initiative called 'Our Ocean Guardians.' With an increased focus on coral health and coral resilience, the Reef Safari team at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa worked with resort guests to successfully plant over 50 corals in four months under the ‘Our Ocean Guardians Project’. This initiative … [Read more...]
Mystery ocean infection causes itchy bumps
The mystery infection which saw the temporary closure of Three Pools is seemingly spreading, with bathers at the Willows resort and Pollok Beach (in Port Elizabeth) showing similar symptoms. While Willows management – who also manage Three Pools – are holding “flying insects” responsible for the lumpy protrusions, fever and, in some cases, profuse vomiting it causes, the … [Read more...]
Durban’s beaches are disappearing
Durban is becoming a seaside city without any sand as strong waves pummel its beaches and the city's sand pumping efforts come to naught. Swathes of what used to be wide stretches of sand are now under water and beachside infrastructure, including a booster pump station at Dairy Beach, is being destroyed. Coastal activists and regular beach users blame the eThekwini … [Read more...]
Joburg school fills swimming pool with plastic to teach students a lesson
Plastic bottles are affecting our oceans and the environment, leaving a path of destruction where all living beings are affected. That is why the Dainfern College Foundation and Student Head of Environmental Affairs, Stella Ritsito, decided to do something bold to bring their student’s attention to the damage created by our consumption of plastic. The Annual Swim-a-Thon, … [Read more...]
SA one of the worst marine plastic polluters in the world
It's hard to picture a more pristine coastline than the towering, green cliffs being battered by the rough breakers of South Africa’s Wild Coast. But though it may seem unspoiled, researcher Vonica Perold has come to learn there is no patch of ocean left that is untouched by human activity. Perold is on board the flagship research vessel – the SA Agulhas II – taking water … [Read more...]
Graphene-based sieve turns seawater into drinking water
A UK-based team of researchers has created a graphene-based sieve capable of removing salt from seawater. The sought-after development could aid the millions of people without ready access to clean drinking water. The promising graphene oxide sieve could be highly efficient at filtering salts, and will now be tested against existing desalination membranes. It has previously … [Read more...]
Global ocean protection summit comes to Cape Town
On 7 and 8 December 2018, several members of the Two Oceans Aquarium team were lucky enough to attend the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Ocean Summit: Cape Town at the Nedbank Atrium in the V&A Waterfront’s Clock Tower Precinct. The theme of this summit was plastic pollution in the ocean, and as you know by now this is a cause very close to our collective hearts. The Ocean … [Read more...]
Our planet is doomed unless ocean health improves, says yachtswoman
She's witnessed awe-inspiring sights at sea, but yachtswoman Dee Caffari (photographed, right) has also been left "dumbfounded" by the vast floating islands of plastic and rubbish she has seen in the world's oceans. As the first woman to have sailed single-handedly around the world in both directions, Caffari has seen up close the harmful effects of man's activities, from … [Read more...]
