Book ofAbstracts & Success Stories National Conferenceon Marine Debris COMAD 2018
2018
Marine debris has become a global problem with considerable threats to the habitat and to the
functions of marine ecosystem. One of the first reports of large areas of plastics in the ocean
has been by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1988 about the
Great Pacific Garbage patch or the Pacific trash vortex, where the density of litter is estimated
as four numbers per cubic meter. Globally, this shocking information led to initiation of new
research programs on marine litter and in India, the ICAR-CMFRI started an in house research
program on this theme in 2007.Understanding the significance of this ecological problem
which is purely a direct impact of anthropogenic activity, the Marine Biological Association of
India decided to organise a National Conference on Marine Debris (COMAD 2018 ) with an
aim to bring together researchers, planners, NGOs, entrepreneurs and local governing bodies
working on this theme. Thus, this conference was planned with three main componentsunderstand
the research outputs, get first- hand information on the various activities carried
out by the public to reduce or recycle non degradable waste generated at various levels and
also to have an exhibition of eco-friendly activities and products which would help to reduce
marine debris in the long run.
The response to all the three themes has been very encouraging. We have received about 50
research articles on themes ranging from micro-plastics to ghost nets and the same number
of success stories which are actually details of the diverse activities carried out in different
maritime states of the country to solve the issue of solid waste generated in the country. The
section on success stories includes attempts by eco-clubs, individuals, schools, colleges, local
governing bodies, district administrations, Institutions and NGOs.
Activities by some Panchayats like banning plastics in public functions and mechanisms to
collect sold waste from households are really commendable. Similarly, the efforts put in by
various groups to remove marine debris from the coastal waters is something which should be
appreciated. The message from these success stories is that, this problem of increasing marine
debris can be resolved. We have got success stories from almost all states and these leaders of
clean campaign will be presenting their work in the conference.
It is well known that visuals such as photographs and videos are powerful tools of communication.
In COMAD 2018, we have provided an opportunity for all across the nation to contribute to
this theme through photographs and videos. Am very happy that we have received more than
300 photographs and nearly 25 videos. The MBAI will place these on the web site. It is really
shocking to see the quantity of litter in the fishing ground and in the coastal ecosystem.
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