Kochi, Oct 29 The ICAR-CIFT here organised an exhibition showcasing products made from marine litter, including recycled plastic pellets and construction composites, as part of its ‘Swachhata Action Plan’, officials said on Thursday.
According to ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), ‘From Waste to Worth’ exhibition demonstrated how discarded fishing gear, plastic waste and boat materials could be converted into useful products, promoting environmental protection, skill development and livelihood opportunities.
A statement issued by the institute said that the key highlight was the conversion of marine plastic waste into recycled plastic pellets and cement-based composites with potential applications in construction and other commercial sectors.
The exhibition also featured arts and crafts items, ornaments, decorative structures, flower pots, paving tiles, and injection-moulded products made from discarded fishing gear and boat materials.
“A jellyfish model made from discarded fishing nets and ropes, along with a boat model crafted from abandoned fishing gear, attracted visitors. Models of fish, sea turtles and other marine organisms also demonstrated the creative reuse of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG),” the statement said.
Products made from discarded fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat materials, including flower pots and other decorative and utility items, were also displayed.
“The initiative aims to raise awareness about marine litter and encourage fisherwomen, youth and students to develop skills in converting waste from fishing activities into useful and potentially marketable products,” the statement said.
Students from MES Asmabi College, Padinjare Vemballur, visited the exhibition and explored the products made from marine litter and discarded FRP boat materials, officials said.
A technical session on the impact of marine litter and measures to mitigate it was delivered by Dr Manju Lekshmi N, Senior Scientist in the Fishing Technology Division at ICAR-CIFT.
ICAR-CIFT Director Dr George Ninan, Fishing Technology Division Head Dr M P Ramesan, and Dr V Geethalakshmi, Principal Scientist in the Extension, Information and Statistics Division and Nodal Officer of the Swachhata Action Plan, addressed the gathering during the inaugural programme.
(PTI News)
