December 17, 2024
On December 11, 2024, a consultation on the Marine Litter Action Plan was held in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, bringing together 117 participants. These included stakeholders from the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources including the Provincial Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka Police and local fishing communities,women based fishing communities.The session provided valuable insights into the issue of marine litter, with a particular focus on its impact on coastal communities and the fishing industry.
Discussions centered on identifying the sources and extent of marine litter, especially from fishing gear, and evaluating the effectiveness of current waste management practices. Participants emphasized the need for stronger policies, improved waste management strategies, and more collaborative efforts to address plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.The importance of integrating local knowledge, particularly from fishermen, was highlighted as essential in developing effective and sustainable solutions.
The outcomes of this consultation will contribute to the development of a national roadmap for Sri Lanka to tackle marine plastic pollution, focusing on practical, context-specific solutions. Future consultations will continue to collect input and build a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to protect marine biodiversity and promote a cleaner environment
