Fishermen put plastic waste into a single container and bring them back to shore, avoiding pollution of the sea. — VNA/VNS Photo

BÌNH ĐỊNH — A boat-to-shore plastic waste collection model, implemented by the central province of Bình Định since late 2023, has so far attracted the participation of 200 fishing vessels, yielding a series of positive outcomes.

Carried out as part of a 2022-24 project on solid waste and fishery waste management in Quy Nhơn City, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it required participating boat owners to sign a commitment to not discharge plastic waste into the sea but instead collect the waste generated on their vessels to bring ashore. They agreed to install mesh bags on their boats, declare the types of beverages, food, and packaging used during their sea trips before departing, and confirm the amount of plastic waste brought back upon arrival.

According to statistics, more than four months after the launch of the model, the authorities have collected about one tonne of waste at the Quy Nhơn fishing port, of which approximately 600kg is recyclable.

Hà Thị Thanh Hương, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that the model has significantly contributed to reducing plastic waste, protecting the marine environment, cleaning the oceans, and helping fishermen maintain a sustainable livelihood.

In the future, Bình Định will expand the model to other fishing ports in the area and increase the number of participating boats, Hương added.

By 2030, the province aims to have 100 per cent of fishermen educated and trained on ocean plastic waste management and reduction, all fishing boats bringing their plastic waste to shore for further collection and treatment, and all fishing ports organise the collection and sorting of plastic waste from these vessels. — VNS