Two tidal pools in Kalk Bay were recently treated to ‘scuba divers’ who weren’t exactly on the search for exotic fish or treasure. Instead, they embarked on an underwater clean-up to help restore the tidal pools!
Kalk Bay, South Africa (05 November 2024) — There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in a tidal pool. Whether to cool off after a long and hot day, heal your body or simply relax, South Africa is home to many beloved tidal pools that offer so many benefits to those who use them.
But, taking a plunge into a tidal pool only to have your toes intertwined with plastic isn’t great for the mood.
Tidal pools, against their will, sometimes act as watery bins. This is because the trash that flows from the sea or shore can end up in their space where it can end up getting trapped or on the flow to deeper seas.
But in good news for two Kalk Bay tidal pools, a team stepped up to tackle the pollution problem—scuba style.
Organised by the City of Cape Town, Shark Spotters Coastal Conservation team and Graduate Training Programme interns recently took to the pools to give them an underwater spring clean.
The team (who had earned their Class V commercial diving certifications) dove deep to clear the litter wherever it hid under the surface.
“It’s jarring to see how much plastic has infiltrated our ocean spaces, even in man-made ones like tidal pools,” said Megan Vokes who is a Graduate Training Programme intern.
“Plastic pieces ranged from tiny fragments small enough for an urchin to cover itself with, to large pieces that required more effort to remove. These coastal spaces were created for our enjoyment, and it’s heartbreaking that we struggle to keep them clean.”
As always, more awareness is key to more efforts like the above! Communities that live near tidal pools can and should push local governments for more proper underwater clean-ups, while companies that sell divers and scuba gear are encouraged to get involved and continue keeping tidal pools a place of pollution-free peace.
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