A true reminder of sins! World’s first Marine Cemetary opens at Kozhikode beach

Kozhikode, December 11: Beypore beach in Kozhikode, Kerala has got the world’s first Marine Cemetery built out of single-use plastic bottles. The Cemetery aims to spread awareness about the devastating effects of single-use plastic, urban and industrial pollution, and over fishing.

 

 

 

A week ago, on World Wildlife Conservation Day, a beach in Kerala witnessed something unique and probably a one-of-its-kind in the world. The Cemetary is built by Jellyfish Watersports, with the support of Clean Beach Mission, District Administration, Kozhiode and Beypore Port department, and driven by climate activist Aakash Ranison. 

 

“Post the floods, while we were kayaking in the Chaliyar river, it was horrifying to see the volume of plastic in the surrounding areas. We, humans, are digging the graves for these marine species, literally. We have used and abused single-use plastic, creating havoc in our water bodies and are rapidly pushing marine life towards mass extinction. So we thought, let’s show people exactly what they are doing, by creating an installation that acts as a constant reminder,” said Kaushiq Kodithodi, Founder, Jellyfish Watersports.

 

 

 

This Cemetery pays respect to eight critically endangered marine species, along with a freshwater fish - Miss Kerala (Sahyadria denisonii), that's endemic to the fast-flowing hill streams and rivers of the Western Ghats (including Chaliyar river). 

 

Also, to counteract the effects of pollution along the coast, the district administration has initiated a mass cleanliness drive under the aegis of Clean Beach mission, Kozhikode. By ensuring mass participation of people, it warrants in not just keeping public spaces clean, but also create awareness about the toll littering takes on marine ecosystems.