Known unknowns: Recycled ocean plastic has value only when society is willing to pay for it, says Grinson George
Grinson George, Director of Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), highlights that marine litter along India’s coastline is influenced by various factors including tides, currents, wind, tourism, and land-based waste. Only 20-30% of marine litter comes from fishing activities, while the remaining 80-70% is carried in by these environmental forces. George emphasizes the need for a circular economy model to address ocean plastic pollution, specifically pointing out that fisherfolk must be incentivized and consumers should be willing to pay more for recycled products.
Quick Revision
Prelims-testable facts
- 01The Indian coastline is affected by various factors including tides, currents, wind, tourism, and land-based waste.
- 02Only 20-30% of marine litter along India's coastline comes from fishing activities.
- 03The remaining 70-80% of marine litter in India is carried in by environmental forces such as tides, currents, and wind.
- 04A circular economy model is necessary to address ocean plastic pollution.
- 05Fisherfolk must be incentivized to reduce their contribution to ocean plastic pollution.
- 06Consumers should be willing to pay more for recycled products to promote a reduction in ocean plastic pollution.
- 07The Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has highlighted the need to address ocean plastic pollution.
Trap alerts
- Most people think that most marine litter comes from fishing activities, but actually 70-80% is carried in by environmental forces such as tides, currents, and wind.
- Most people think that consumers are already willing to pay more for recycled products, but actually they need to be incentivized to do so.
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the factors influencing marine litter along India's coastline and their implications for a circular economy model.
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQs
What percentage of marine litter comes from fishing activities, according to Grinson George?
- A.10-20%
- B.30-40%
- C.50-60%
- D.70-80%
Grinson George states that only 20-30% of marine litter comes from fishing activities, while the remaining 80-70% is carried in by environmental forces.
What is the name of the institute headed by Grinson George?
- A.Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
- B.National Centre for Oceanography
- C.Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
- D.Andaman and Nicobar Islands Regional Centre
Grinson George is the Director of CMFRI, a leading research institution in marine fisheries and oceanography.
What model does Grinson George suggest to address ocean plastic pollution?
- A.Linear economy model
- B.Circular economy model
- C.Green economy model
- D.Blue economy model
Grinson George advocates for a circular economy model to address ocean plastic pollution, which encourages the reuse and recycling of materials.
Consider the following statements regarding Marine Litter in India: 1. 80-70% of marine litter comes from fishing activities. 2. Fishermen are responsible for most of the marine litter along India's coastline. 3. Only 20-30% of marine litter is carried by environmental forces such as tides and currents. How many of the above statements are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.All three
- D.None
The source states that only 20-30% of marine litter comes from fishing activities, while the remaining 80-70% is carried in by environmental forces. This contradicts Statement-I and partially supports Statement-II, but with an incorrect percentage.
Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: More than 70% of marine litter is carried in by environmental forces. Statement-II: The remaining 20-30% of marine litter comes from fishing activities, which are influenced by various factors including tides, currents, wind, tourism, and land-based waste. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- C.Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- D.Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
The first statement is correct as the source states that 80-70% of marine litter comes from environmental forces. However, the second statement incorrectly claims that the remaining 20-30% comes from fishing activities when it actually comes from other sources.