Ganges River's Plastic Pollution Needs to be Mitigated

Waste fishing gear

A recent research study has shown that waste fishing gear in the Ganges River is threatening the wildlife. The study has stated that entanglement in the gear can harm threatened species such as the Ganges river dolphin and the critically endangered three-striped roofed turtle. Surveys from the Himalayas to the mouth in Bangladesh indicated that waste fishing gear levels were highest near to the sea. The most common type of fishing gear recorded were nets. The local fishermen disclosed that large amounts of fishing equipment are being dumped into the river. The reason for this is because of short gear lifespans and scarcity of proper waste disposal systems. This study was led by researchers from University of Exeter with an international team of researchers from India and Bangladesh. It was carried out as part of the National Geographic Society's "Sea to Source: Ganges" expedition. The researchers used a list of 21 river species of "conservation concern" recognized by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). They combined current information on entanglements of similar species worldwide with the new information of waste fishing gear levels in the Ganges to evaluate which species are at most risk. According to Dr. Sarah Nelms of the Center for Ecology and Conservation, the fishermen would try to mend and reuse the nets if possible; but if they are unable to, then they discard them in the river. Professor Heather Koldewey, a National Geographic Fellow and co-leader of the expedition, stated that the study's data brings hope for solutions based on a "circular economy."

An illustration of the three-striped roofed turtle

I really think that the findings made by this expedition should be taken into serious consideration. The Ganges River is threatened by pollution in the form of discarded nylon fishing gear, which local fishermen are unable to mend. It is highly crucial to raise awareness of the environmental impact waste fishing gear can have on the Ganges, especially with the local view that the river "cleans it away." It is equally essential to set up waste disposal systems to properly dispose of unusable fishing gear. Furthermore, I strongly believe it is necessary to establish a series of recycling programs geared at turning nylon into other useful products. This would not only decrease plastic pollution, but provide income to the local communities along the Ganges. Professor Koldewey gave an example of how such a project was conducted in the Philippines and turned out successful. The plastic pollution in the Ganges is a complex problem which requires several solutions to benefit both communities and the wildlife. Among the wildlife is the three-striped roofed turtle, which is a critically endangered species on the brink of extinction and the Ganges river dolphin. The Ganges River needs to be efficiently conserved and time is of the essence.

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