The theme of this year's Earth Day was “End plastic pollution by Earth Day 2020.” Marine plastic pollution (MPP) has become a major environmental issue globally.
The Ganges River system in India and Bangladesh carries approximately 100,000-170,000 (globally 6-12 million) tonnes of waste per year into the Bay of Bengal. Over 800 marine species are directly or indirectly affected by MPP.
Although some practices, market-based approaches, and researches by governmental and non-governmental institutes may contribute to reducing marine plastic pollution, raising awareness about this phenomenon should be the top priority. This can most likely be done through improving course-curriculum on marine environment at school level and marine pollution literacy for all citizens.
From small town to coastal big cities, social campaigns should be started with different groups, using different methods, resources, and ideologies to combat various aspects of the MPP issue. Moreover, some collaborative programmes among social communities, government personnel and scientists can be introduced to create viable solutions.
Dr Roksana Jahan, Adjunct Researcher Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam
