Marine Month 2020 - Help to keep our oceans clean
By Lusanda Gqaza and Yanga Mbatana, Environmental Education Officers, De Hoop Nature Reserve
October is Marine Month and a timely reminder to us all about the importance of our waterways and oceans.
Litter is not only harmful to marine life but also toxic to humans and water systems. It is our duty as conservators and the general public to conserve and sustain our coastal environment for future generations.
Our waterways and oceans are in grave danger from litter - over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based activities such as the plastic bags we use in our households, fertilizers used by farmers, sewage disposals, and oil spills. Most of this waste ends up in our oceans which has a negative impact in our marine ecosystems.
Marine animals get entangled in the plastic as they mistake the plastic for food and once ingested, this can result in discomfort and ultimately death. More and more marine animals are becoming endangered and face extinction due to the pollution in our
oceans, including African penguins, sea turtles, sea birds.
Coastal clean ups assist us in tackling one of the biggest threats our marine ecosystems face, and also allows us to collect data to analyse and identify the most abundant and harmful types of debris. Typically, amongst the most abundant items found during these clean ups are cigarette butts, food wrappers, straws and beverage bottles.
The process starts with each one of us – reduce your consumption of disposable items and re-use and recycle plastic, glass, tin and paper. Start in your own home and then begin a recycling or litter prevention project at your school or in your community.
Related News
Roll-out of baboon-proof bins to start as northern fence gets under way
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team is pleased to announce key developments related to the practical implementation of the approved Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). The Action Plan that guides the practical implementation of the CPBSMP was approved by SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in November 2025.
Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone
A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.
CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves
Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety. Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and