Durban:The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DEFF) has intensified its efforts to remove plastic waste and other pollutants from the Bayhead Mangrove Heritage Site at the Port of Durban.

According to South African Government News Agency, DEFF Deputy Minister Narend Singh, along with members of the South African Police Service, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Transnet, eThekwini Municipality, and the Coastal Marine Taskforce, conducted a site assessment at the location in the Port of Durban.

The Bayhead Natural Heritage Site is a crucial remnant of Durban Bay's once-extensive mangrove system, supporting diverse biodiversity including aquatic birds, crabs, and mudskippers within an industrial harbor context. The visit followed a recent law enforcement-led anti-poaching operation targeting illegal gillnetting and related activities in the area.

The Deputy Minister's assessment focused on deploying EPWP teams to clean up plastics and other pollutants accumulating in the mangrove forest, intertidal areas, and surrounding zones. Singh highlighted the necessity of a dual approach that combines firm enforcement against illegal activities 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 shows how we can move from operations to tangible environmental recovery,” stated the Deputy Minister.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to combat marine pollution, enhance compliance under the Marine Living Resources Act, and support job-creating environmental programs in coastal communities. The department mentioned that further details on the clean-up outcomes and ongoing monitoring would be communicated as the work progresses.