MEPA launches ’Ocean Watch’ app to strengthen coastal waste management

Colombo, July 13 (Daily Mirror) - The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has launched the "Ocean Watch" web-based mobile application as part of the government's digitalization policy to improve waste management along Sri Lanka's coastline and in fishing harbours.

The new platform is designed to support a more systematic approach to managing coastal waste while helping transform Sri Lanka's marine and coastal environment into a cleaner and healthier ecosystem.

MEPA said Sri Lanka, with a coastline of nearly 1,700 kilometres and a marine zone more than eight times larger than its land area, continues to face growing marine pollution caused by waste flowing into the sea through rivers and canals. The pollution poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity while affecting the fisheries and tourism sectors.

To address the issue, MEPA has already established Coastal Management Committees comprising Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, Pradeshiya Sabhas and other relevant agencies in coastal districts under its Coastal and Harbour Waste Management programme.

The newly introduced "Ocean Watch" application is expected to strengthen this initiative by digitally connecting government institutions responsible for waste management with volunteer groups conducting beach and fishing harbour clean-up programmes.

The application also includes mapped locations along canals where waste barriers should be installed to prevent garbage from reaching the ocean.

In addition, the platform identifies coastal stretches requiring regular cleaning, enabling private companies and non-governmental organizations to undertake maintenance under contractual arrangements while allowing businesses to align Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects with coastal conservation efforts.

The app also enables members of the public to report incidents of marine pollution directly to the relevant authorities, allowing faster response and improved monitoring.

MEPA said the initiative aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders, encourage greater public participation in protecting marine resources, and support the government's broader digital transformation agenda while helping preserve a clean and sustainable coastline for future generations.