MOL Announces To Cooperate In JAMSTEC Marine Plastic Pollution Survey
MOL Announces To Cooperate In JAMSTEC Marine Plastic Pollution Survey
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) announced that it will give its full cooperation in a survey hosted by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), which is related to marine plastic pollution.
JAMSTEC will collect plastics in the waters on the course of the 2019-2020 Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race, which is organized by the Kanagawa Prefecture Sailing Federation, among others, which will be held as part of the 25th anniversary of Palau’s independence and 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Japan Palau. It will analyze the results and will aim to create scientific achievements.
This year on December 29, the racing yachts and accompanying ships will leave Yokohama, setting their course for Palau, a straight-line distance of 1,726 nautical miles. The plastic collection project’s result will be reported promptly such as during the post-race awards ceremony.
Marine plastic pollution is a global-scale environmental issue and is raising serious concerns about its impact on marine ecosystems. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed to conduct surveys related to ocean plastics at the 74th session of the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) in May.
Read more: What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Great Pacific Garbage Patch Facts
MOL takes the issue of marine plastics very seriously and is committed to global environmental conservation, a key to its corporate philosophy. The company is providing financial support to this survey in the interest of learning more about this issue and measures to address it. In addition to cooperating in JAMSTEC activities to increase understanding of marine environment and measures for the conservation.
MOL has enjoyed a cooperative relationship with JAMSTEC through the survey project, which engages in various researches and studies related to the ocean, and proactively promotes global environmental conservation and efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Note: 1,726 nautical miles = about 3,197 kilometers.
Reference: mol.co.jp
