Enhancing research and awareness on the impact of plastic on tropical marine ecosystems
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Academic institution
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#OceanAction43327
Description
Plastic marine debris is readily transported by tides and currents across large expanses of ocean, before accumulating in coastal areas associated with restricted water movement. Larger plastic items are subjected to physical, chemical and biological degradation in the marine environment leading to the formation of secondary microplastics. The effects of microplastics on the marine environment are still largely speculative, and few reports exist on the toxicological effects of microplastics on marine organisms.
Working on the Straits of Malacca and in the South China Sea with its high coastal human populations underlines the urgency for us to understand the current status of plastic pollution in our environment.
We understand that there is a need to translate the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the UN to the regional and local scale. It is also our goal to translate the science supporting sustainability to policy makers and the community whose support and commitment matters greatly. In a developing country where many issues compete for attention and priorities - long term solutions are sometimes sacrificed for short term, non-sustainable expediency. Education, engagement and awareness is the key to acceptance of the need for sustainable solutions and is the foundation of our pledge.
We pledge to continue research on the impact plastic on tropical ocean habitats. We pledge to continuously engage the policy makers and the targeted communities and to create awareness on the importance of the sustainable and wise-use of the oceans.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
| Title | Progress Status | Submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Progress 2020-04-29 | On track |
Feedback
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Geographical coverage
Ocean Basins
Communities of Ocean Action
More information
Countries
Contact Information
Annette Jaya Ram, Deputy Director/Dr
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