The environmental champions organising the Mission Bay Community Beach Clean are calling on the local community to join in and lend a hand.
After being postponed due to bad weather, the clean-up will be taking place next weekend on Sunday 20 June. Volunteers are invited to help clear rubbish from the reserve and beach, followed by a beach yoga session and face painting for the little ones.
Not only is the litter washing up on local shores an unpleasant sight; it also harms and kills marine wildlife. According to Ocean Crusaders, it is believed there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in our oceans causing over 100,000 marine mammals to die globally each year. Turtles, whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea birds are particularly susceptible to plastic pollution.
“Our aim is to encourage the local community to come together in a joint effort to help enact positive change by limiting the amount of harmful litter that ends up in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. We are uniting with the Ōrākei Local Board and the local community to help make a real difference ahead of World Ocean’s Day,” said Mark Goldstine, Mission Bay Business Association.
For those keen to learn more about how they can help protect Mission Bay and the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s team members will be available to discuss the pressures the marine park faces and the successful sea turtle rehabilitation programme.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Mission Bay Community Beach Clean
Where: Selwyn Reserve, Mission Bay Beach
When: Sunday 20 June 2021
Hours: 1pm–3pm beach clean & face painting, 3pm–4pm beach yoga session
Cost: FREE
