Reduce Plastics in Marine Environment

The extent of the problem of marine debris and its impact on sea mammals, fish and the environment were addressed from various angles by international experts on the topic, including Prof. Peter Ryan, Department of Zoology, Percy Fitzpatrick Ornithological Institute, University of Cape Town, Heidi Savelli of the United Nations Environmental Programme, Dr George Hughes of the Turtle Management and Dr. Martin Engelmann of PlasticsEurope.African countries that were in attendance at the conference included Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Seychelles, whilst Australia, Belgium, and Germany also delivered presentations.
“Marine debris is an international concern not only because it washes up on beaches and shorelines worldwide, but also because debris can be transferred from one country serving as a vector for alien animals and plants to another via ocean currents. International cooperation is needed to create public awareness while developing ways to decrease the amount of debris in oceans around the globe”, said Plastics SA Executive Director Anton Hanekom, who also signed the "Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter” on behalf of South Africa’s plastics industry in 2011 when plastics industry representatives from across the world met in Dubai to create a global action plan for solutions on marine litter.
This action plan described actions and identified approximately 100 projects which were focused on reducing the impact the plastics industry has on the marine environment and pollution.
“Plastics SAwas the only African country to sign the Declaration and we made it one of our goals to encourage collective action across the continent”, Hanekom said.  “Hosting this Summit has allowed us to clearly identify the extent of the problem of plastics in the marine environment, and we are now able to work towards a sustainable solution.  As an industry we recognize that we need to go about our business in a responsible and sustainable manner”.