KOCHI: Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Cift) organised a seminar with the theme ‘Beat the Plastics pollution’ on World Environment Day. Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association president Peter Mathias, who was the chief guest, explained the new initiative launched by fishermen in Kollam with the help from the Government of Kerala.
The plastic waste collected from the sea by the fishermen is shredded into small pieces and used for construction of roads. The success of the initiative has prompted other harbours and landing centres across Kerala to follow the Kollam model to save river bodies from plastic menace.
Cift fishing technology division head Leela Edwin stressed on the need to focus on the carbon footprints created by fishing vessels. The seminar was presided over by director in charge K Ashok Kumar. Principal scientist Saly Thomas made a presentation on plastic menace. Leela welcomed the gathering and principal scientist P Ramesan proposed a vote of thanks.