Marine deris, especially plastic waste, is a serious threat to our oceans and planets. Every year, about 10 million tons of garbage is dumped into the sea, which is equivalent to having 1 truck dump every minute or 400 kg of garbage thrown into the ocean every second. Huge amounts of waste kill millions of dead sea creatures like birds, seals, whales, sea turtles every year. In some places, the amount of plastic particles from garbage in seawater is six times higher than that of plankton. It is estimated that by 2050, plastic waste will outnumber fish in the ocean and about 99% of seabirds will eat plastic waste.
This summer, the European Commission organized a campaign to raise global awareness about waste. The campaign is one of the activities towards the Fourth International Ocean Conference – bringing together leaders from around the world. At the meeting, participants will discuss urgent and global issues such as: Marine Protected Areas, Climate Change, Sustainable Fishing, Marine Pollution, Sustainable Green Economic Candles and Maritime Safety. The conference was organized by the European Union in Malta on 5 – 6 October 2017.
So far, the campaign has been responded by nearly 100 aquariums / units around the world, of which the Oceanographic Museum is also a participating member. According to the plan, at the end of August 2017, the Museum will display a special topic on marine waste including panels, images and models of the origin, decomposition time, the harmful effects of waste, especially garbage. plastic waste. The thematic purpose is to raise public awareness about limiting the amount of marine waste and increase the use of reusable materials. Communication activities are very necessary because Vietnam is currently the 4th country in the world in the amount of plastic waste discharged into the sea.
