Marine Pollution: Challenges & Preventive Measures

• Recently, a team of marine biologists discovered a Hawksbill turtle, a critically endangered species, trapped in a plastic fishing net along the Kadmat Island reef. This heart-wrenching sight symbolizes the growing menace of marine litter that threatens not only marine life but also the delicate coral ecosystems of Lakshadweep. The issue was highlighted in the Marine Litter Report (2024) by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), which revealed alarming levels of plastic waste entanglement in coral reefs along India’s coastline.
• Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is a group of 36 coral atolls, reefs, and lagoons located in the Arabian Sea between 8°N and 12°N latitude and approximately 280-480 km off the Kerala coast.

Reference: PMF IAS: Indian Physical Geography

Challenges in Waste Management

• Land-Based Sources: Around 80% of marine litter originates from land-based activities, with plastic waste accounting for 60% of marine debris. (MoEFCC, 2023)
• Monsoon Sediment Influx: Heavy rainfall and river runoff during monsoons drastically increase the inflow of plastic and other debris into marine ecosystems.
• Tourism-Driven Pollution: Tourist activities in coastal regions significantly contribute to litter accumulation, particularly plastic bottles and single-use plastics.
• Infrastructure Deficiency: Only 60% of collected plastic waste is recycled in India, leaving 40% mismanaged or uncollected, eventually reaching water bodies. (CPCB, 2023)
• Microplastic Pollution: Microplastics have been found in 100% of sampled coastal waters across India, posing significant threats to marine biodiversity and entering the food chain. (NCCR, 2023)
• Limited Community Participation: Community participation in beach clean-ups and waste management remains low, exacerbating the marine litter crisis. (NCCR, 2023)

Marine Pollution and Impact on Ecosystems

• Coral Bleaching and Disease: Plastic debris increases coral disease likelihood from 4% to 89%, threatening coral recruitment and survival. (Science.org)
• Biodiversity Loss: Over 700 marine species, including turtles and seabirds, are affected by entanglement or ingestion of plastic debris. (NOAA Marine Debris Program)
• Food Chain Disruption: Microplastics have been found in 114 aquatic species, potentially affecting human health through seafood consumption.
• Economic Losses: Marine litter reduces tourism revenue by up to 40% in affected regions and increases coastal clean-up costs.
• Climate Change Linkage: Plastic pollution exacerbates climate change by releasing greenhouse gases during degradation and incineration.
• Cultural and Community Livelihood Impact: Coastal communities dependent on fishing and tourism face livelihood threats due to declining marine resources.

Preventive Measures for Marine Plastic Pollution

Global Commitments

• Sustainable Development Goal 14: Target 14.1 seeks to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution from land-based activities by 2025.
• UNEA Resolution (2022): Aims to develop a legally binding treaty by 2024 to address plastic pollution across its lifecycle.
• G20 Action Plan on Marine Litter (2017): Promotes international cooperation for waste reduction and sustainable waste management.

International Conventions

• UNCLOS (1982): Mandates signatories, including India, to adopt measures to prevent, reduce, and control marine pollution.
• MARPOL (1973, Annex V): Prohibits plastic disposal from ships, enforcing zero plastic discharge.
• Basel Convention (1989): Regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous plastic waste.

National Policies and Regulations

• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022: Introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, making producers accountable for collection and recycling.
• Single-Use Plastic Ban (2022): Prohibits select single-use plastic items like cutlery, straws, and carry bags below 75 microns thickness.
• Merchant Shipping Rules (2009): Aligns with MARPOL to prevent plastic discharge from ships in Indian waters.
• Draft National Marine Litter Policy: Focuses on plastic waste reduction, coastal clean-ups, and capacity building of urban local bodies.

Institutional Initiatives

• National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR): Conducts beach litter quantification studies and clean-up campaigns.
• India-Germany Agreement (2021): Collaboration to improve waste management systems in coastal cities.
• UK-India Roadmap 2030: Joint framework to promote marine science research and sustainable coastal ecosystem management.

Community and NGO Efforts

• TREE Foundation (Chennai): Conducts marine species rescue missions & community awareness drives.
• Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI): Works on microplastic mitigation along Tamil Nadu’s coastline.
• Baeru (Startup): Leads marine litter recovery initiatives along India’s coastal regions with support from EY Ripples.
• Ocean Conservancy Clean Swell Initiative: Mobilises local communities for beach clean-ups using digital tracking tools.

Technological Innovations

• Marine Litter Extraction Devices (MLEDs): Floating devices deployed to capture plastic debris from water bodies.
• Ocean Bound Plastics (OBP) Projects: Collection and recycling of plastics at risk of entering oceans.
• Blockchain for Waste Management: Ensures traceability of plastic waste collection under EPR programs.

Way Forward: Combating Marine Litter

• Implement National Marine Litter Policy (2018): Establish a regulatory framework for plastic waste reduction and recycling.
• Strengthen Waste Management Infrastructure: Develop waste collection, segregation, and transportation systems to process non-biodegradable waste on the mainland.
• Community-Based Clean-Up Drives: Regular beach clean-ups with active participation of local communities, fishermen, and tourists.
• Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Promote biodegradable material through incentives & awareness campaigns.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Enforce producer accountability for plastic waste management across supply chains.
• Scientific Research & Monitoring: Conduct microplastic studies along the Lakshadweep coast to map pollution levels and its impact on marine ecosystems.

  Reference: DownToEarth | PMF IAS: Indian Physical Geography

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – Marine Pollution

1. [2023] What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?
2. [2018] What are the consequences of spreading ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems?
3. [2018] How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples.

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 94

Q. Marine litter poses a severe threat to coral ecosystems and marine biodiversity in India. Analyse the challenges and suggest a comprehensive strategy for its mitigation. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the answer by defining Marine litter and the NCCR Report finding.
• Body: Discuss the challenges in marine litter management & also comprehensive strategy for mitigation.
• Conclusion: Write an appropriate conclusion by highlighting the need for collective efforts.