The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DEFF) has stepped up efforts to remove plastic waste and other pollution from the Bayhead Mangrove Heritage Site at the Port of Durban.
DEFF Deputy Minister Narend Singh, together with members of the South African Police Service, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Transnet, eThekwini Municipality, and members of the Coastal Marine Taskforce, conducted a site assessment at the site in the Port of Durban.
The Bayhead Natural Heritage Site is an important remnant of the once-extensive mangrove system of Durban Bay and supports significant biodiversity, including aquatic birds, crabs and mudskippers, within an industrial harbour setting.
The visit follows a recent law enforcement-led anti-poaching operation targeting illegal gillnetting and related activities in the area.
The Deputy Minister’s assessment focused on the deployment of EPWP teams to clean up plastics and other pollution that accumulate in the remnant mangrove forest, intertidal areas and surrounding zones.
Singh emphasised the need for a dual approach that combines firm enforcement against illegal harvesting with practical restoration and pollution-control measures.
“Protecting our marine and coastal resources requires both decisive action against those who break the law and hands-on efforts to restore the habitats that support legitimate livelihoods and biodiversity.
“The collaboration between national enforcement agencies, local government, Transnet, and EPWP teams show how we can move from operations to tangible environmental recovery,” the Deputy Minister stated.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to combat marine pollution, strengthen compliance under the Marine Living Resources Act, and support job-creating environmental programmes in coastal communities.
The department said further details on the clean-up outcomes and ongoing monitoring will be communicated as the work progresses. – SAnews.gov.za
