South African seafood restaurant chain Ocean Basket is banning straws in all its restaurants, reports Brand South Africa.

The group officially implemented a ban on the use of straws -- and plastic bags -- in all 168 of its restaurants nationwide, rolling out during 2018.

It is the first step the brand is taking in raising awareness of the effects of plastic pollution on the planet and its oceans.

Ocean Basket will also push for the ban in its restaurants around the rest of Africa, of which there are more than 20 -- including in Nigeria and Zimbabwe -- during the course of the year.