Marine litter in Manila Bay has decreased – 2024 study

A recent study conducted by zero-waste advocate group EcoWaste Coalition and De La Salle University – Dasmariñas saw a decrease in marine litter and total collected waste in Manila Bay.

According to a press statement on Wednesday, there was a 36% decrease in the volume of marine litter and a 42% reduction in total collected waste from 2023 to 2024 in more than 10 different project sites in Cavite, the National Capital Region, and Bataan.

However, there was a noted 16% increase in litter counts during the wet months of the year.

Over 91% of litter collected was still plastic waste, most of which were hard and film plastics.

“These findings demonstrate the progress we’ve made, but they also highlight the urgent need for stricter waste management practices… We have made significant strides in reducing litter, but the continuing dominance of plastics in our waste indicates the need for collective action—both from government bodies and the public,” said EcoWast Coalition Enhancement of Marine Litter Management (EMLM) Project officer Wes Lipana.

Due to the gathered data, the study suggested a stricter implementation of environmental laws, further information campaigns at the barangay level, adoption of standardized clean-up methods in affected areas, and a comprehensive marine litter management plan for Manila Bay.

“It is crucial that everyone — from government agencies to local communities — joins forces to implement the solutions outlined in this report. We need sustained commitment to tackle the marine litter problem and ensure the long-term health of Manila Bay,” Lipana said.

The project was funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (KOICA) and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation through Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN). — Jiselle Anne Casucian/LA, GMA Integrated News