Drain net implementation in Gaansbaai preventing Ocean pollution

Hermanus’ Overstrand Municipality is working on minimising the amount of waste the reaches the ocean by implementing storm drain catchment nets.

The Overstrand Municipality is working in partnership with Marine Dynamics and the Dyker Island Conservation Trust, after being inspired by a project done in Australia.

The project entails placing large nets over storm water drain outlets that will catch the waste before it reaches the ocean. Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has praised the work being done.

The net at Gansbaai harbour is regularly monitored to assess the waste caught. Following 17 analysed net counts a total of 141.55 kg of waste was collected.

The statistics were frightening with cigarette filters being a top offending item at 33 875 pieces collected in the one net. This was followed by food wrappers/containers at 12 389 and that included non-recyclable chip packets.

Plastic bottles amounting to 188 and cans at 127 were also prominent items found in the net.

By Danielle Mentoor