Marine Plastic Litter

Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Hydrogen

Source: PIB
GS III: Environment

Overview

Why in the News?

India and the European Union (EU) have launched two major research and innovation initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

With a joint investment of ₹391 crore.
The initiatives focus on two coordinated calls in the areas of Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH).
These initiatives will harness the strengths of both Indian and European researchers to develop solutions that address our shared environmental challenges.

Marine plastic litter refers to plastic waste that ends up in the oceans and seas, either directly or indirectly, and poses a serious environmental, economic, and health threat.
It is a key component of marine pollution and is primarily non-biodegradable, making it persist in the ecosystem for hundreds of years.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans annually, and if current trends continue, this number could triple by 2040.

Facts and Data

World Bank Report (2021): India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a significant portion finding its way into the marine environment.
UNESCO estimates that plastic debris causes the death of over 100,000 marine mammals and turtles every year, along with millions of birds and fish.
India’s coastline, which stretches over 7,500 km, is increasingly affected by plastic pollution, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Causes of Marine Plastic Litter

1. Land-based sources (constituting ~80% of marine litter):

- Improper waste disposal and management
- Industrial discharge and urban runoff
- Tourism and beach littering
- River transport of plastic waste (e.g., Ganga and Yamuna rivers)

2. Sea-based sources:

- Abandoned fishing gear (ghost nets)
- Discharge from ships and offshore platforms
- Illegal dumping by vessels

Government Initiatives (India)

Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016 & 2021 Amendment):
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Phasing out single-use plastics by 2022
Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar Campaign (2022):
- 75-day clean ocean campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
- Involved coastal clean-up drives across 75 beaches
National Marine Litter Policy (Proposed):
- Emphasizes waste segregation, recycling, and awareness
India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative:
- Bilateral cooperation for addressing marine litter
Blue Flag Certification:
- Promotes eco-tourism and sustainable beach management

International Efforts

UNEP’s Clean Seas Campaign (2017): Over 60 countries have joined to reduce marine litter.
Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML): Encourages sharing knowledge and actions among stakeholders.
G20 Osaka Blue Ocean Vision (2019): Target to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050.
UN Plastics Treaty (Under Negotiation): Legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution by 2024.

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