Plastic particles in the oceans will outnumber fish by 2050

The number of plastic pieces in the sea will outnumber the fish that by the year 2050, a Marine Environment Authority official said yesterday.   

National Marine Environment Authority General Manager Jagath Gunasekera told a press conference which was held to mark the world Ocean Day yesterday that dumping of plastic into the sea has become a grave issue.   

“Plastic waste is disposed off into the oceans by various industries almost daily. These particles accumulate in the oceans as Nano plastic particles. Disposal of plastic garbage has become so bad today that there will be more plastic pieces in the sea than the number of fish by 2050,” Gunasekera said quoting global scientists.   

Meanwhile Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi said Sri Lanka has failed to make proper use of the sea despite being an island nation. “It is essential to make use of the sea for the development of our nation. We have failed to do so,” he said.   

A number of events were held to mark world’s Ocean day yesterday with the main celebration being held at Colombo Port City.