On Wednesday, Supriya Sahu, the Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, announced that a program to collect old fishing nets is expanding across 14 coastal districts in Tamil Nadu. This initiative, part of the TN-Shore project, has secured funding to move forward.
During the launch of a beach cleaning campaign by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Sahu shared that the collection center at Kasimedu fishing harbor has already gathered 35,000 kg of discarded nets, with each kilogram fetching ₹40. “That’s 35,000 kg of waste that won’t harm our oceans,” she emphasized. Looking ahead, the department plans to tackle thermocol boxes, another major source of pollution.
Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF and former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, highlighted the severe impact of climate change on fishing communities. She encouraged fishermen to recycle, reuse, and reduce plastic use, stressing that marine life, including turtles and whales, is often harmed by plastic waste.
The MSSRF has joined forces with the HCL Foundation to organize clean-up events at 100 beaches. This effort will engage about 5,000 participants—fishermen, students, and volunteers—across eight coastal states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat.
Recent statistics show that ocean plastic pollution is a growing concern, with over 11 million tons entering the seas each year. A study by the Pew Charitable Trusts predicts that this might triple by 2040 without intervention.
Collective community efforts like these beach clean-ups are crucial for addressing the plastic crisis and promoting a cleaner marine environment. By raising awareness and involving local residents, these initiatives not only tackle immediate waste issues but also foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
For more insights on marine conservation, you can check out resources from the United Nations Environment Programme.
