A microplastic spill on Dubai beaches inspires a massive beach cleanup
Source: https://whatson.ae/2023/02/a-microplastic-spill-on-dubai-beaches-inspired-a-massive-beach-cleanup/
Residents came together on February 19, 2023 to help clean up Dubai beaches after a spillage of large amounts of microplastics flooded the sand from the ocean. Surfers and beachgoers frantically worked together to remove the bags from the ocean as well as filter and scoop away the spillage from the shore. The source of the spillage is currently unknown, but Dubai Municipality is working hard to uncover the source. On February 19, 2023 afternoon, Dubai’s Sunset Beach and Black Palace Beach saw the consequences of an unknown spillage of microplastics. Bags of virgin-grade high-density Polyethene granules were directly recovered from the ocean and carried to shore by beachgoers and surfers. The shoreline however did not go unscathed, with a sheet of small plastic balls littering the beaches. The source of this spillage is currently unknown, with theories suggesting it was a shipment spillage. The spillage inspired a flurry of beachgoers, surfers, and the beach community to come together to remove the plastics from the water and the shoreline. Pirates Surf Rescue Dubai, a watersport and lifestyle program for children, took the reigns on the beach clean, organising a mass cohort of families and individuals to remove all the plastics from the sand. By posting on their social media and calling upon their loyal following, individuals took to utilising sieves and scoops to separate the microplastics from the sand. Dubai Municipality also arrived on the scene, aiding the mass beach cleanup with more individuals and resources.