Changemaker: V&A Waterfront Marina Team 23 Jan 2025 Partnering To Protect Our Ocean Stormwater drain pipes are an essential part of keeping a city safe from floods. To do so, they transport excess water from the concrete jungle, back into the ocean, preventing it from collecting anywhere. But could they be having a negative impact in their efforts to help?Well, one day our Marina and Canal Team – who passionately take care of the waters around our neighbourhood – noticed that as the drains carried water into our seas, they were collecting trash along the way and pouring it straight into the marine ecosystem. Once they spotted this, they jumped into action to resolve it! OUR MARINA TEAM HARD AT WORK NET GAINS FOR CLEANER OCEANS"We immediately realised that we need to create a system to help us catch and collect the trash flooding into our marina and canals, ultimately finding its way into the deep ocean. So, we decided to approach partners to design a customised solution. In partnership with yacht service company Action Yachting, and leading seafood business Sea Harvest, to install netting systems across our harbour. “The ocean is the perfect example of the power of collaboration – currents, ecosystems, species all working in harmony, playing a part in a vast, interconnected system that sustains life. It reminds us that when forces come together with purpose, the results can be extraordinary."-V&A Marina Team Using a sweeper net, this is arduous work. But we’re proud of our contribution to keeping the V&A Waterfront spotless for our visitors and plastic-free for our ocean friends." A DAY IN MY LIFE09:00Today is collection day! The team meets up to get the day going.10:00The first collection point is the netting system at West Quay, just outside The Cape Grace Hotel. That’s where we start our mission.12:00It’s time to refuel for the second half of the day with lunch back at the Marina Office.14:00There are 3 more stops, all at the North Quay in the Alfred Basin. Clearing them out will take the rest of our days.16:00Lastly, it’s time to reconvene at the office for high-fives before heading home. STOPPING THE FLOW OF POLLUTION"Did you know that we also have two boats that go out every day? “Sweeper 2”, with 4 men on board, clears trash (arriving into our waters through other avenues) from the basin and “Beaver”, a smaller vessel, cleans out the canals all the way up to the CTICC. “We love this job. It’s tough work but we have a love for nature, and that’s what fuels our passion.” - V&A Marina Team With four netting systems in place throughout our harbour, these durable nets trap litter. As a team, we regularly collect the trash and send it on to our Waste Recovery and Recycling Centre, contributing to cleaner waterways." Trash Talk: Nets That Save Our SeasShout out to heroes in our neighbourhood, working hard to keep our corner of the Atlantic and beyond clean and free of dangerous pollution. Everyone has the opportunity to be a hero. You too can play your part by cutting out plastic and recycling as much as possible. Let’s save our seas together. IN THE WORDS OF OUR CHANGEMAKERS Related stories Niaz and Migyle, V&A Retail Development Team Read more on our Changemaker: Niaz and Migyle, V&A retail Development Team Read More Deidre, Social Impact At The V&A Read more on our Changemaker: Deidre, Social Impact at the V&A Read More Luxolo, V&A Academy Graduate Read more on our Changemaker: Ayanda, V&A Seal Monitor Read More share
