Free beach clean-ups with the Two Oceans Aquarium

It happens every single month. See upcoming dates

Last updated: 8 August 2024

For nearly 30 years, the Two Oceans Aquarium has been the home of ocean conservation in Cape Town, sheltering 8 000 animals across five inspiring exhibits. Did you know that they host beach clean ups too? Trash Bash happens once a month along Cape Town's coastline, from Hout Bay and Monwabisi to Sunset Beach. 

Trash Bash believes in protecting the ocean’s future, and ours, while we have the chance. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium 

CONSERVATION WITH TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM 

The Two Oceans Aquarium already runs a host of programmes that protect endangered marine life. The Turtle Rescue Network rehabilitates stranded turtles along the Western Cape coastline, and there’s various smaller projects that prevent human-wildlife conflicts (like creating seal resting spots). 

One of these programmes is Trash Bash. It’s a community-driven effort that tackles marine pollution, protects the stunning South African coastline and educates the public on marine conservation. 

Anyone with a passion for the ocean and keeping our environment clean can join the Trash Bash movement. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING TO THE BEACH CLEANUP 

Trash Bash is free and everyone is welcome to help preserve the natural beauty of our beaches. Participants form small groups where one person records collected items while the others pick up and identify the trash. 

The 12 most common beach litter items are on-the-go food and drinks waste like plastic bags, bottles, and straws. By collecting and recording these items, scientists can gain insights into our plastic footprint, helping us combat ocean pollution more mindfully. 

Volunteers must bring reusable gloves (like what you would use to garden or wash the dishes), water bottles, and sun protection. You should dress comfortably with closed-toe shoes. No prior booking or RSVP is required. 

Participants can download the Marine Debris Tracker to record the litter items collected. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

VOLUNTEER FOR FREE BEACH CLEANUPS   

Trash Bash happens from 9am to 11am on the third Saturday of every month. Mark your calendars for these upcoming beach cleanups:

• 17 August 2024 – Hout Bay Beach

• 21 September 2024 – Monwabisi Beach

• 19 October 2024 –Sunset Beach

• 16 November 2024 – Hout Bay Beach 

• 21 December 2024 – Monwabisi Beach

Each Trash Bash is an opportunity to look after our environment and meet like-minded people who want to bring positive change to our beaches. To stay updated on future beach cleanups, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium Trash Bash website. 

Two Oceans Aquarium also has dives with ragged tooth sharks, penguin waddles and swims with stingrays. Find more secrets of the Two Oceans Aquarium. 

There are over 8 000 creatures at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Image: Two Oceans Aquarium

TRY A TRASH BASH

Trash Bashes happen: Third Saturday of every month
Find the Trash Bash schedule: Via the Two Oceans Aquarium website
Contact on: aquarium@aquarium.co.za; 021 418 3823

By Saarah Gierdien 

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