On November 9, 2019, Ocean Park organised “International Coastal Cleanup 2019” to show undivided support for marine debris reduction and ocean conservation.
A total of 90 kg of coastal trash was picked up by around 60 volunteers of Ocean Park SmartFun Annual Pass holders and Ocean Park staff at a beach near the Park. The debris were in different materials and the most common items collected were construction materials (245 large pieces). The volunteers also collected 554 pieces of plastic wastes including disposable plastic bottles, take away containers and small fragmented pieces etc. This indicates that it is necessary to reduce the use of disposable plastic products in our daily lives without further delay.
Other than collecting trash, the volunteer team enjoyed a “Nature Play” activity in the event. Participants searched for their favorite natural items at the beach. Children then utilize the collected items like shells, sea urchin shells, wood branches and stones to form images of coastal animal. While exploring the ecology of the coast, they stimulated their creativity and had so much fun making the collage. Through the activity, we wished to encourage participants to be more observant while being in the nature and to understand that all marine debris has a bad impact on both animals’ and humans’ health. We can all play a part in protecting the ocean through simple and effective action in our everyday life by producing less wastes.
Justin, one of the Ocean Park mascots who enjoyed cleaning up the beach, joined us after the event and celebrated that the Park has organised the International Coastal Cleanup for 16 consecutive years. He presented the certificates to all participants in order to appreciate their effort on marine conservation and encourage them to continue to substitute disposable plastic products for reusable water bottles, cutlery and shopping bags.