World Oceans Day!

The SEA LIFE Trust has launched a 24hr Global Beach Clean Event.

Staff from SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and its sister Sydney attractions - WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, and Sydney Tower Eye have joined this collaborative initiative in celebration of World Oceans Day.

Teams took to the waters of the iconic Sydney Harbour at sunrise on kayaks this was followed by an afternoon beach clean-up at Plane Spotting Beach.

The 24hr beach clean event is being captured in photos and we are encouraging everyone to join in - By taking pictures of their efforts and posting their best ’Global Beach Clean’ pictures with the hashtag #GlobalBeachClean.

Global marine conservation charity, the SEA LIFE Trust says this will be their biggest clean-up mission yet. The event will be hosted across 50 different SEA LIFE attractions taking place from Sydney to Scarborough.

It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans each year and that by 2050, the oceans could have more plastic than fish.

Graham McGrath, the Head of SEA LIFE Trust adds: “Most of the littered plastic waste worldwide ultimately ends up at sea. The litter washing up on our local shores is not just unpleasant to look at; it also harms and kills our precious wildlife. Hundreds of species of marine wildlife including seals, seabirds, turtles, and whales have mistaken marine litter for food resulting in starvation, poisoning, and fatal stomach blockages.

“It’s not just animals which are at risk of ingesting plastics!” adds McGrath “Microplastics act as magnets for dangerous chemicals from the water before being eaten by plankton and filter-feeding animals. Once they have been eaten they quickly move up the food chain as predators eat their prey and build up in high concentrations in larger species, such as tuna. These can eventually find their way onto our dinner plates!”

“This Global Beach Clean provides a simple and effective way in which everybody can help to turn the tide on litter, starting with their own local communities’ streets, parks, or waterways – all litter ends up in our oceans. In the past SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has hosted successful clean-ups but this year we want to focus on working with our sister attractions across the globe to come together and focus our attention on what we see as a global crisis.” Added Richard Dilly, General Manager – Sydney attractions.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is challenging you and your family to lend a hand and participate in local clean-ups and contribute to our cause this World Oceans Day

The SEA LIFE Trust champions the need for seas that are properly protected, free from plastic pollution, and full of diverse life. This year, as well as focusing on plastic pollution and the global beach clean, the charity will make ground-breaking steps for previously captive cetaceans by opening the world-first SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland.