Survey Reveals Decrease in Marine Litter in Monitored Sites along           Manila Bay, Recommends Key Actions to Address the Persistent Problem

15 January 2025, Quezon City – The EcoWaste Coalition, in partnership with De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), unveiled the findings of its 2024 Marine Litter Monitoring Survey Report during a press conference held in Quezon City, showcasing the progress made in reducing marine litter in Manila Bay while also addressing ongoing challenges.

The 2024 survey was conducted across 10 project sites — Cavite (Silangan, Rosario; Timalan, Naic; Sahud Ulan, Tanza; Capipisa, Tanza; and Julugan, Tanza), National Capital Region (San Dionisio, Paranaque; and Tanza, Navotas), and Bataan (Cabcaben, Mariveles; Agwawan Beach, Brgy. Simsiman, Mariveles; and Bantan, Orion). It revealed a 36% decrease in the volume of marine litter and a 42% reduction in the total weight of collected waste from 2023 to 2024 as presented by Dr. Johnny Ching and Dr. Michael Guyamin of the DLSU-D research team.

However, plastics still represent a significant portion of marine debris, accounting for 91% of the total collected waste, with hard and film plastics being the most prevalent forms. Seasonal data further indicated a 16% increase in litter counts during the wet months compared to the dry season, illustrating the ongoing challenges that need to be addressed. These findings provide valuable insights into the current state of marine debris in the region, though the results are limited to the specific areas covered by the survey.

“These findings demonstrate the progress we’ve made, but they also highlight the urgent need for stricter waste management practices,” said Wes Lipana, Project Officer, EcoWaste Coalition’s Enhancement of Marine Litter Management (EMLM) Project. “We have made significant strides in reducing litter, but the continuing dominance of plastics in our waste indicates the need for collective action—both from government bodies and the public.”

To address the persistent problem of marine litter, the report called for several key actions:

● Strict enforcement of existing environmental laws, such as RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 9275 (Clean Water Act), to ensure accountability at all levels.

● Expansion of information campaigns at the barangay level to raise awareness about waste segregation, plastic pollution, and sustainable disposal practices.

● Adoption of standardized cleanup methods, as outlined in the Manual for Beach Litter Monitoring Program, to improve data collection and cleanup efficiency.

● Development of a comprehensive, integrated marine litter management plan for Manila Bay, incorporating both government and community efforts.

The press conference also served as a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to engage with the findings and reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable restoration of Manila Bay. Furthermore, the EcoWaste Coalition presented ongoing information, education, and communication (IEC) activities, underscoring the importance of public engagement in the long-term success of the project.

“We have made remarkable progress, but we can’t stop here,” Lipana concluded. “It is crucial that everyone — from government agencies to local communities — joins forces to implement the solutions outlined in this report. We need sustained commitment to tackle the marine litter problem and ensure the long-term health of Manila Bay.”

As Zero Waste Month is observed this January, the EcoWaste Coalition calls on all citizens to take part in realizing the proposed solutions, whether through community-based actions or by adopting more sustainable waste management practices in their daily lives, to protect Manila Bay and other vital coastal ecosystems across the country.

The said survey is part of the Enhancing Marine Litter Management (EMLM) in Manila Bay (2021–2025) project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (KOICA) and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation through Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN). The Marine Litter Monitoring Survey Report forms part of the broader initiative to enhance marine litter management in Manila Bay, which focuses on comprehensive monitoring, advocacy, and community involvement.