A Heathfield toddler was at Mouille Point Beach clean up, not just to enjoy playing in the sand and splashing in the water, but to preserve the coastline and marine life for the future.
Her mother, Lauren Fernandez, said: “She loves the beach and we want to preserve it for as long as possible.”
She said if it is not looked after now, then Aria and future generations “won’t get to enjoy the beach and marine life as we do”.
Ms Fernandez was one of 60 volunteers at the first Two Oceans Aquarium trash bash of 2026 on Saturday, March 14.
In just two hours, a dedicated group of ocean lovers, young and old, removed more than 60 kilograms of litter from the popular local shoreline.
Two Oceans Aquarium communications manager Heather Wares said the morning offered a perfect blend of community action and sunshine.
Volunteers, including local families and students, combed the beach, tackling everything from discarded plastic packaging and bottle caps to dangerous fishing line and countless cigarette butts.
The significant volume of rubbish collected serves as a stark reminder of the pollution pressures facing the beautiful coastline.
"Seeing the community come together like this was incredibly inspiring," she said.
Lotta Svennbeck, from Green Point, who has been to most Mouille Point beach clean-ups since 2022 and volunteers at the aquarium, said she does it because she cares about the ocean and its animals.
“It’s my passion. I love the sea, the ocean, and everything that lives there. I’m volunteering because I care. It gives me a lot back. I really feel when I go home from the aquarium, I know I’ve done something good for the animals and also for my colleagues at the aquarium, and I love it. I really love working there as a volunteer,” she said.
Aquarium conservation and sustainability manager Helen Lockhart emphasized the wider significance of such local efforts.
"Beach cleanups are absolutely vital. They prevent plastic from washing into the ocean, protecting our marine wildlife, and the data we collect contributes directly to scientific research on local pollution trends," she said.
Ms Lockhart said the success of the Mouille Point cleanup highlighted the practical role every resident could play in safeguarding the environment.
“It provides a direct, hands-on opportunity to protect the seals, penguins, and diverse life that call our oceans home,” she said.
The aquarium encouraged all Capetonians to continue supporting conservation through responsible waste habits.
The next trash bash will be on Mandela Day, Saturday, July 18 at Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg.
For more information about trash bash events, visit the aquarium's website.
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