Plett's big new goby fish bin

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The popular beachfront is set to become home to a large art installation - not only to beautify the area, but also to save the ocean from plastic pollution.

About two years ago locals Fran and Dermot Molloy spotted the original "Goby" from Bali on social media. It was a large metal structure of a goby fish installed to encourage beach visitors to deposit plastic waste into it. The initiative has since grown with several similar installations being erected across the globe.

The image of the structure sparked the couple's interest and they decided to set to work to replicate something similar for Plett.

Interesting perspective
Plett Tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth said the Goby Fish recycling project provides an interesting perspective to keeping the town's beaches clean.

"It includes a strong message for us all to recycle. The idea is to create awareness about recycling and inspire us to protect our marine life and keep our beaches clean. In addition to creating awareness about recycling and sustainable environmental practices, the art installation also adds new interest and a fresh perspective on art in the area," she said.

"We love the innovation behind this project and are completely thrilled that the community has come together to make this happen. We are in the midst of a very difficult time for the hospitality industry, and our local economy has taken strain.

"Putting this beautiful new art installation at the heart of the hospitality industry will enhance the beachfront and hopefully inspire us to look beyond what we believe to be possible and imagine a more vibrant and environmentally friendly world-class beach destination."

She explained that Fran had been working with Alison Bryant of the Keep Plett Clean campaign to make the idea a reality. Nature's Valley Trust believed in the project and gave a grant that got the ball rolling. They approached local artist and Fisanthoek Brewery owner, Derek Saul, with their concept, and he came up with an exciting initial design of a breaching whale.

Fran engaged with key stakeholders who agreed to sponsor the project and worked hard to raise the necessary funds. The key stakeholders include Nature's Valley Trust, Ocean Blue Adventures, Moby Dick's Restaurant, Sotheby's International Realty Plett, Crush Surf, Wine Roots, Fisanthoek Brewery, The Plettenberg Hotel, Health & Fitness Plett, Signtec, the Hellmann family and numerous anonymous donors.

The Bitou Municipality generously donated the funds for the "selfie bench", which makes up the base of the art installation. "A special thank you goes to Bitou municipal representatives, which includes Councillor Dave Swart, Johnny Prins, Douglas Baartman and former employee Mark Fourie," said Fran.

"We must not forget that many locals also made generous, smaller donations towards this project. Thank you to everyone for your donations, big or small - you know who you are."

Shortly after the project started, the coronavirus pandemic arrived, and everybody went into lockdown. This did not stop all parties involved, and they picked up the momentum in late 2020 as lockdown restrictions were eased.

"We are very happy to say that the Plett 'Goby' project is coming to fruition. It has been made using recycled metal, steel, confiscated fishing nets, lobster traps etc. and has been transformed into a giant sculpture of a breaching whale by Derek through blood, sweat, tears and total passion," said Fran.

Derek Saul working on the Plett "Goby", which is hoped will spark an interest in recycling in Plett.

The Plett "Goby" will be strategically placed at Central Beach to create awareness and to act as a focal point for one of Plett's most popular beaches. "Feed Me and Not the Sea" is the slogan.

The installation is set to be unveiled early next month and a formal ceremony will be held during the Plett Arts Festival scheduled for 10 to 20 July.