If you've visited East Coast Park recently, you might have noticed the long line of debris along its beaches.

Long stretches of marine debris

Photos of the large piles of trash have been circulating online as well, and plastic bottles, plastic containers and food packaging can be seen littered among the algae.

The scene on July 29 was documented by one Kenneth Wong in a Facebook post.

The debris appeared to extend along the entire stretch of the beach.

A dead pufferfish was also spotted trapped among the trash.

Other photos were snapped by various users across the months of June and July as well.

https://www.facebook.com/azeana.mohamed/posts/10158461310788700You might be surprised to know, however, that this is a yearly occurrence.

NEA cleans beaches more frequently during monsoon period

Marine trash is often washed ashore by the tide during the Southwest monsoon season, which takes place from June to September every year.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), such offshore detritus is usually brought in during the months of May to October during the southwest monsoons, a 2019 The Straits Times (ST) article reported.

The trash potentially originates from a variety of sources — offshore platforms like fish farms, passing ships or even neighbouring countries.

To deal with the volume of trash on the beach during this period, NEA cleans the beaches up to twice a day, as compared to the usual four times per week.

But this is only the case for recreational beaches such as ECP, Pasir Ris Park and Sentosa, which are cleaned regularly by NEA.

Away from the public eye, however, non-recreational beaches are likely to suffer a worse fate.

According to a 2016 CNA article, non-recreational beaches such the Tanah Merah beach are not cleaned as frequently, resulting in more marine trash to build up.

You can do your part

Although the trash might have originated from offshore sources or other countries, that doesn't mean that Singaporeans should turn a blind eye to this issue.

Singapore's beaches are home to various wildlife, and critically endangered species like the hawksbill turtle regularly nest at our shores.

Individuals can do their part by picking up trash whenever possible.

Here are some quick tips to note, if you're carrying out your own beach cleanup.

Do abide by safe distancing regulations during this period by limiting beach cleanup groups to five people.

Top photo from Kenneth Wong / FB