There is currently an estimated 150 million tons of plastic in the world’s oceans, a number that could reach 250 million tons in less than 10 years if current trends in urbanization, production and consumption continue. [1] And if unsustainable fishing practices and deterioration of coastal and marine ecosystems continue, by 2050 there will be no usable fish stocks in the Asia Pacific Region [2].
In these uncertain times, people across East Asia Pacific – scientists, traditional boat captains, academics and passionate volunteers and advocates – are all finding creative ways to fight back against the biggest threats to the health of our oceans, such as marine pollution and plastic waste, as well as unregulated fishing.
For World Oceans Day 2020, we’re getting to know some of the innovators and oceans champions across East Asia and the Pacific that are building inspiring solutions, big and small, to improve the health of our oceans.
