During the event, waste left by beachgoers – including plastic bags, juice boxes, thermocol plates, and discarded fishing nets buried in the sand – was collected and disposed of in shopping bags. The activity saw participation from children living in Hawksbay, Sands Pit, and nearby communities.
Dr Babar Hussain, Natural Resource Management Coordinator at IUCN Pakistan, told Express News that engaging local children was aimed at instilling awareness about marine life and environmental conservation. “These children are the future stewards of our oceans,” he said.
He added that marine pollution has significantly harmed aquatic life and natural habitats like mangroves. Referring to the 2003 Tasman Spirit oil spill, Dr Hussain noted that olive ridley turtles have vanished from Karachi’s waters since then.