World Aquaculture December 2019

68 DECEMBER 2019 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WA S.ORG T he Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection, perhaps better known by its acronym (GESAMP), has establishedWorking Group 43 to conduct a science-based assessment of marine litter sources. Working Group 43 is seeking expert input to their information- gathering process regarding aquaculture as a source of marine litter. There is very little published information on this subject, so insights and knowledge from the aquaculture community would be of tremendous assistance. WG43 is looking for any relevant information/ data on aquaculture and marine litter, or related information sources (publications, websites, etc) or contacts of other experts or institutions (also associations, companies, etc.). GESAMP was established as an independent scientific body to provide advice and guidance based on solid scientific expertise to United Nations agencies in response to specific requests to investigate new and emerging issues impacting the preservation of the marine environment. Under the sponsorship of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), and UN Environment Programme (UNEP), GESAMPWorking Group 43 was established in June 2019 to build a broader understanding of sea-based sources of marine litter, including relative contributions from different sources, to analyze plastic use and management within ocean-based industries, and to assess the range and extent of impacts of sea-based sources of marine litter. The Working Group is in its initial phase of research, and will submit its first interim report to GESAMP soon, reflecting progress on: • Identification of sources of marine litter from sea-based sources, including fishing operations, aquaculture, shipping, ocean dumping, and other ocean- based industries and activities (e.g. oil extraction); GESAMP Working Group Seeks Input on Aquaculture as a Source of Marine Litter ( CONT I NUED ON PAGE 7 2 )