Navy, Coast Guard to check dumping of plastic waste in Lankan seas

The Fisheries Ministry has requested the Navy and the Coast Guard to inspect all fishing vessels that are leaving or returning to port to check for plastic objects after a internal study found that nearly five tons of plastic waste are dumped in Lankan seas, a senior official from the ministry said. The study which was carried out by the Fisheries Department found that some 50,000 fishing vessels that engage in fishing activities in Lankan seas disposed of plastic objects weighing almost five tons – mainly water bottles.

Fisheries Ministry Director General M.C.L.Fernando told the Sunday Times that carrying plastic water bottles on board is banned and the Navy and Coast Guard are authorised to carry out inspections of vessels. “We have recommended fishermen to use permanent water containers on board,” hesaid. Mr. Fernando said the move was in keeping with the President’s policy of protecting the environment as significant amounts of plastic waste dumped in the sea could threaten the existence of fish families, coral-reefs, aquatic plants and other aquatic species. “Currently the ports in Trincomalee and Galle are under watch for plastic objects and circulars will be issued shortly to ban plastic at all ports,” he said.