National Conference on Marine Debris

Date : 11th April 2018 to 12th April 2018

Place : India, Kochi

Website :http://mbai.org.in/comad/

Contact Person:Dr. V. Kripa

Description:

The oceans and coastal ecosystems are facing a new threat - the Marine Debris. Most researchers believe that this is worse than any other problem faced by aquatic ecosystems. Debris ranging from cigarette butts to large plastic sheets have emerged as the latest threat to sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystem, endangering the fauna, flora, the physical and chemical processes and ultimately the livelihood of thousands of fishers and farmers. Not only plastics, even other items like glass and metal which can be easily recycled also are thrown away as trash. Recent studies have shown that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometre litter the deep sea. The amount of plastic waste entering the ocean from land each year exceeds 4.8 million metric tons (MMT) and may be as high as 12.7 MMT. Careless discard of torn nets leading to “ghost nets” or derelict fishing gear (DFG) has started impacting fishes, birds and marine mammals. Turtles entangled in ghost nets and with plastics stuck around their neck and beak are common in the Indian Ocean. Even discarding traps and pots have transformed productive benthic habitats to grave yards. Plastic litter as well as metal and glass litter in marine ecosystems are completely avoidable problems. Through increased effort, inappropriate disposal of waste plastics can be prevented through a combination of education, product design, incentives, legislation and enforcement. Considering the fact that the marine debris problem can even completely destroy our productive ecosystem, if left uncontrolled, the Marine Biological Association of India is organising a National Conference on Marine Debris at Kochi on 11-12 April 2018.

National Conference on Marine Debris will be held in Kochi,India on date 2018-04-12

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Deadline for abstracts/proposals : 31st March 2018

Keynote Speakers :

Check the event website for more details.