What was removed during the Malvan marine debris cleanup drive?

Nearly 650 kilograms of waste, including ghost nets, plastic wrappers, bottles, cans, and fibreglass fragments, were removed.

Who collaborated in the Malvan coastal cleanup initiative?

The initiative involved the fishing community of Malvan, environmentalists from Sagarshakti, and government agencies like MPCB and the Mangrove Cell.

Why is marine debris a problem near Sindhudurg Fort?

Marine debris, especially ghost nets, entangles coral structures and threatens marine life, impacting biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Home / Environment / Malvan Coast Cleans Up: Divers Battle Marine Waste

Malvan Coast Cleans Up: Divers Battle Marine Waste

12 Dec

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Summary

Over 650 kg of marine waste removed near Sindhudurg Fort.
Ghost nets entangled coral structures, threatening marine ecosystems.
Community and government bodies collaborate for coastal conservation.

Malvan Coast Cleans Up: Divers Battle Marine Waste

For the second year, the Malvan fishing community and environmentalists have united with government agencies to combat marine debris plaguing the Konkan coast. A recent cleanup drive, spanning December 9-10, saw divers retrieve approximately 650 kilograms of waste, including ghost nets, plastics, and fragments, from depths near Sindhudurg Fort. This marks the initiative's continuation under Phase II of the Marine Debris Cleanup Project, aiming to protect vital coral reef ecosystems.

The collaborative effort, spearheaded by Sagarshakti, involved multiple government bodies and local divers. Environmentalist Nandakumar Pawar noted the alarming entanglement of coral structures in ghost nets, stressing the impact of land-based waste on marine life. The collected debris, predominantly ghost nets, underscores the pervasive pollution affecting the region's biodiversity and the livelihoods dependent on it.