Concerns grow as report shows plastic killing off our fish By Sandaran Rubatheesan View(s): View(s):As Sri Lankan seas become increasingly polluted with plastic waste, contributing to a 500 per cent depletion in fishing stocks, a pollution expert has called for more effective garbage management to avert a man-made disaster. “Only 20 per cent can be accounted as sea-originated wastage, due to fishermen dumping plastic in mid-sea and oil spills from ships,” Dr. Kumara said, citing MEPA research. Dr. Kumara said his department is dedicated to showing people how significantly polythene and plastic contribute to marine pollution and how to think differently about the use of these materials. Initiatives such as creating polythene-free coastal regions and awareness campaigns on reducing domestic plastic usage in homes are underway, Dr. Kumara said. MEPA’s Dr. Kumara said his department lacks the legal powers to punish marine polluters but plans are underway to toughen the Marine Pollution Environment Act No.

Source: Sunday Times February 09, 2019 18:17 UTC