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The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill has launched a new ocean conservation campaign aimed at tackling one of the biggest hidden threats facing marine life – abandoned fishing gear that continues killing sea animals long after it has been discarded.

The new initiative, Stop the Strangle, forms part of this year’s Ballito Pro, which is taking place at Willard Beach from July 4 to 18.

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Organisers say the campaign seeks to educate the public about the dangers of so-called “ghost gear” while encouraging communities to play an active role in removing it from South Africa’s coastline.

Ghost fishing gear refers to abandoned or discarded fishing nets, ropes, lines and traps that continue trapping, injuring and killing marine animals long after they have been lost at sea.

“As surfers, event organisers and ocean lovers, we understand that protecting our coastline is an essential part of our daily lives,” said Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival organiser Collette Bundy.

Our long-held conservation initiatives, such as Litter4Tokens and the WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast projects, are thriving, which is why we felt it right to introduce Stop the Strangle.

“This gives visitors another practical way to become part of the solution while learning about one of the greatest threats facing marine life today. We’re proud to work with our conservation partners to use the Ballito Pro platform to drive real environmental action.”

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The campaign is being implemented by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) through its Green Coast Programme in partnership with Blue Flag South Africa, KwaDukuza Municipality, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the Strandloper Project.

Tackling a growing marine threat

According to organisers, ghost fishing gear makes up around 10% of all marine pollution globally, with an estimated 640 000 tonnes entering the world’s oceans every year.

It is also estimated to account for between 70% and 80% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The consequences for marine life are severe, with more than 100 000 marine mammals believed to die annually after becoming entangled in abandoned fishing gear. More than one million seabirds, turtles and sharks are also killed each year.

Visitors encouraged to get involved

Throughout the festival, visitors will be able to view educational displays featuring ghost gear recovered from South African coastlines and learn about its impact on marine ecosystems.

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Collection points will also be established, encouraging beachgoers to safely remove ghost gear where possible, report larger items washed ashore and upload information to a national monitoring database.

Recovered equipment will be repurposed into educational displays and awareness installations where possible, rather than being discarded.

Organisers hope the initiative will eventually help establish South Africa’s largest community-based coastal conservation network, supporting marine protected area monitoring, anti-poaching awareness and environmental incident response.

Building on existing conservation work

The campaign adds to the Ballito Pro’s existing environmental programmes, including the Litter4Tokens Recycling and Ocean Waste Activation.

Working with partners including Litter4Tokens, TrashTalk.io, Dolphin Coast Waste Management, Ballito UIP, PETCO, Brownie Points and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Fund, the initiative collects, sorts and tracks recyclable waste throughout the festival.

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According to organisers, Litter4Tokens has recovered more than 5.2 million kilograms of recyclable waste nationally, supported more than 2 500 registered waste collectors and removed more than 36kg of plastic nurdles from South African beaches.

This year, every competing surfer will also receive a branded Mermaid Tear Catcher to continue collecting plastic nurdles during their travels, contributing to an international citizen science project.

Festival-goers can also take part in the Mermaid Tear Catcher Nurdle Education and Clean-up Competition, with prizes including an environmentally friendly surfboard made from recycled materials, luxury game reserve experiences and other sponsored rewards.

Visitors can also support marine conservation by purchasing O’Neill x WILDOCEANS T-shirts, with 10% of proceeds going towards programmes that protect ocean life and ecosystems.

Beyond its environmental focus, this year’s Ballito Pro features surfing, music, BMX demonstrations, beach sports, skateboarding, family entertainment and tourism experiences as part of the annual festival programme.