Exploring plastic waste management practices surrounding the Agulhas National Park: The case of Struisbaai Harbour

Abstract

Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, is an increasing global concern affecting coastal areas, ecosystems, and human well-being. While South Africa has seen some research on marine plastic pollution, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the relationship between plastic pollution and waste management effectiveness, especially in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The aim of this research was to explore plastic waste management practices surrounding the Agulhas National Park, with a focus on the case study of Struisbaai Harbour. Struisbaai is situated between two MPAs, a National Park, and a nature reserve, where waste management faces challenges due to multiple jurisdictional parties. As a popular tourist destination, waste generation is increasing rapidly, particularly within Struisbaai Harbour, necessitating research into plastic waste management practices. The aim was achieved through four research objectives: determining the extent of plastic waste pollution (RO1), evaluating existing waste management practices (RO2), understanding public perceptions to plastic waste and waste management practices (RO3), and reviewing governance and legislative frameworks concerning plastic waste management in the study area (RO4). For this study, a mixed-method approach with both qualitative and quantitative research methods was followed. Data was gathered through surveys to gather insight on public perceptions of the current waste management practices within Struisbaai Harbour, supported by on-site observations, waste characterisation, document analysis and document review. Plastic waste is a significant waste stream with plastic waste contributing up to 59% to the total waste that was characterised in the area. The waste observations and waste characterisation revealed a noticeable increase in plastic waste during the peak tourist season, with plastic waste increasing by up to 34% during the New Year period. The findings indicated a noticeable lack of bins in the harbour and surrounding promenade, with existing bins often being broken or lacking lids. Given the harbour’s central role in tourism, it becomes a focus point for plastic waste generation and disposal, intensifying pollution levels. During peak tourist seasons, bins are often seen overflowing and are not emptied regularly, with strong winds contributing to plastic pollution entering the ocean. It is evident that the current waste management infrastructure in Struisbaai Harbour is inadequate to handle increased waste volumes, especially during peak tourist seasons. A total of 211 responses from the survey questionnaires were recorded and analysed through thematic analysis. The results from the survey indicated it was clear that plastic waste is perceived as the primary pollution issue in Struisbaai Harbour, adversely impacting its aesthetic appeal. Many respondents indicated that beachgoers and tourists are the primary contributors to plastic waste in the study area. The respondents also reported that existing waste management infrastructure was insufficient, highlighting the need for more waste bins, frequent emptying of bins, and better waste management strategies. These concerns were supported by observational data, which revealed that waste bins were often not emptied according to the schedule, exacerbating the problem of improper waste disposal. The governance and legislative review showed that, although there is a comprehensive legal framework (international and national) that regulates waste, plastic, and protected areas individually, there is a lack of specific legislative frameworks addressing plastic waste management in Struisbaai and practical execution can be improved. The study recommends the improvement of current waste management practices through developing comprehensive waste management plans, regular waste audits, enhancing infrastructure, encouraging community involvement and increasing public education and awareness on the adverse impacts of plastic waste in marine environments.