The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted an action plan to reduce plastic waste, improving current regulations and developing new measures for its reduction and use in international maritime transport.
The plan has identified a series of measures to achieve its objective, including a planned study on the marine plastic waste from ships, the exploration of the availability and adequacy of port reception facilities, and the notification of the loss of the networks of fishing and container in the sea.
It also aims to strengthen international cooperation, in particular, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Environment of the UN, as well as to improve public awareness.
In a statement, the IMO reports: “The Action Plan notes that marine plastic waste enters the marine environment as a result of a wide range of land and sea activities.
Likewise, IMO affirms that “Recognizing that more is needed to address the environmental and health problems posed by marine plastic waste, the IMO member states agreed on actions to be completed in 2025.
“The London Convention and Protocol of the IMO is designed to allow only the dumping of permitted materials, including those generated by dredging.” However, these materials must be evaluated before being discharged to ensure that noxious materials such as plastics are released into the sea.
“Marine plastic waste has a negative impact on activities such as tourism, fishing, and maritime transport.”
The IMO is expected to periodically review and, if necessary, update the new action plan.
The regulation of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Vessels (MARPOL) of the organization prohibits the dumping of plastics at sea and requires governments to ensure the availability of adequate port facilities to receive ship’s waste.
