OCEANS IN PERIL plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices

WNPS Monthly Lecture

WNPS and the High Commission of Canada are pleased to share experts from Ocean Wise – a globally recognized Canadian ocean conservation organization in WNPS’ monthly lecture series. Held every third Thursday of the month, the “Monthly Lectures” are among WNPS’ most popular activities, which give prominent environmental experts centre stage to share their knowledge on a range of issues with the Sri Lankan public. The Monthly Lecture series is supported by The Nations Trust Bank.

The March lecture would address two key Marine related issues of Plastic Pollution and Unsustainable Fishing Practices presented by Laura Hardman and Sophika Kostyniuk.
Plastic pollution is threatening our oceans, our economy, and arguably our health.

Plastic has infiltrated every part of our world. Researchers have found plastic just about everywhere they have looked - from deep sea sediment to the surface of the ocean, from coastal shorelines to summits of mountains, and in virtually all species, including zooplankton, fish and whales. More than 800 marine species are known to be negatively affected by plastic pollution, including all sea turtles. It is estimated that plastic pollution will more than double by 2040 if we don’t take action now.

The Plastic Free Oceans initiative focuses on radically reducing plastic production and consumption and stopping the leak of macro and microplastic from land into the oceans. 
Laura Hardman leads the Plastic Free Oceans initiative at Ocean Wise, bringing together initiatives such as; the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up, The Microfiber Partnership, the Plastics Lab and the Plastic Reduction Programme.

Laura holds an LLB in Law and a PGDip in Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability, from Birkbeck University of London. Laura is a passionate advocate for the restoration and regeneration of the ocean.

Researchers have found plastic just about everywhere they have looked - from deep sea sediment to the surface of the ocean, from coastal shorelines to summits of mountains, and in virtually all species, including zooplankton, fish and whales. More than 800 marine species are known to be negatively affected by plastic pollution, including all sea turtles

 Over one billion people around the globe depend on seafood as their primary source of protein. However, overfishing is one of the biggest threats facing our oceans today. Roughly 90 per cent of the world’s fish stocks are now fully fished or overfished.

Resources from our world’s oceans are not as unlimited as we once thought. Choosing to eat Ocean Wise recommended sustainable seafood helps to relieve the pressure on overfished species.

Sophika Kostyniuk leads the Ocean Wise Fisheries and Seafood programme, which has been guiding the seafood industry and consumers ​to choose sustainably harvested seafood since 2005. With over 3,000 business partner locations across 11 countries, the Ocean Wise Seafood programme is focused on growing into new geographies and diving into fisheries work that will create direct positive impacts on the water.

Sophika feels a great sense of urgency to turn the tide on unsustainable fishing practices, and is convinced that humour and humility are essential components to any transformation.

Presented by Laura Hardman and Sophika Kostyniuk of Ocean Wise, Canada18th March 7.30 pm via Zoom. Please sign up on   https://forms.gle/rVtfzoZV41UzEGdNA