5 November 2014: Three reports on the impact of marine debris on migratory marine species and solutions are being introduced at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP11) in Quito, Ecuador.

The reports, titled ‘Migratory Species, Marine Debris and its Management,’ ‘Marine Debris and Commercial Marine Vessel Best Practice,’ and ‘Marine Debris: Pubic Awareness and Education Campaigns,’ detail the impact of marine pollution on migratory species, such as whales, dolphins, marine turtles, seabirds, seals, dugongs, sharks and rays. The reports recommend improving waste management on land and taking measures to prevent commercial shipping operators from disposing of garbage at sea.

“The international community must respond to the growing problem of marine debris and take decisive action to reduce the threat marine debris is posing to many migratory species and to the ecological balance of our oceans as a whole”, said CMS Executive Secretary, Bradnee Chambers.

A draft resolution on the ‘Management of Marine Debris’ will be introduced at CMS COP11 on 5 November 2014. [CMS Press Release] [Publication: Migratory Species, Marine Debris and its Management] [Publication: Marine Debris and Commercial Marine Vessel Best Practice] [Publication: Marine Debris: Pubic Awareness and Education Campaigns] [CMS COP11 Website]