Hong Kong environmental groups are exploring the use of easily recyclable fish tanks to reduce marine debris. More than half of Hong Kong's marine debris is plastic, and some groups are suggesting that the government subsidize fishermen to help clean up marine debris during the fishing moratorium, while also establishing a comprehensive recycling and remanufacturing system. The groups plan to collaborate with Hong Kong fisheries representatives and fish wholesale markets to trial polypropylene fish tanks developed in the UK, replacing styrofoam boxes for holding fish. These tanks are less prone to breakage and offer similar insulation to styrofoam. Some fishermen have expressed willingness to try them, but this will depend on the cost of the fish tanks. Yang Songying, Project Manager (Ocean) of the Hong Kong branch of the World Wildlife Fund, visited the UK and the Netherlands earlier this month at the invitation of the European environmental organization Waste Free Oceans. He pointed out that Hong Kong previously lacked a comprehensive system for handling marine debris, relying on collecting trash from the sea and sending it to landfills. Referring to overseas experience, the focus should be on preventing trash from falling into the ocean, starting with waste reduction at the source, reducing excessive packaging, implementing producer responsibility, and establishing an effective recycling system. He noted that in Spain, fashion design companies use recycled plastic bottles to produce clothing and shoes, and some European manufacturers use recycled plastic bottles to recycle cleaning agent bottles. Yang Songying said that it is necessary to encourage groups such as fishermen and water sports enthusiasts to work together to solve the marine debris problem. For example, in the UK and the Netherlands, local environmental groups promote the "Fishing for Litter" program, where fishermen collect trash while fishing in large garbage bags, which are then processed immediately at recycling and sorting facilities on shore. Hong Kong could also learn from European fishermen who apply for government subsidies during the fishing moratorium to clean up litter hotspots and earn a living. French fishermen have modified floating oil slicks at sea, attaching bags to them and slowly dragging them across the surface to collect floating debris without accidentally catching fish. However, Hong Kong fishing boat licenses do not permit operations other than fishing, and he urged the government to consider relaxing these restrictions. Previous WWF marine debris surveys have found discarded fishing nets, plastic bags, plastic bottles, and styrofoam boxes to be among the top ten marine debris items. Yang Songying pointed out that Europe has begun using polypropylene fish boxes developed in the UK. These boxes resemble plastic cardboard boxes, are strong and durable, and are less likely to break and be discarded at sea, making them difficult to collect. Their insulation properties are comparable to styrofoam. He said he has already acquired 20 polypropylene fish boxes and will contact local fishermen's groups to test their use at the Aberdeen Fish Wholesale Market in May and June, testing their immediate placement in the boxes after fishing and their use in the fish market. He did not disclose the price of the fish boxes, but the manufacturer plans to produce them in mainland China. Cheung Siu-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Fishermen's Association, believes local fishermen would be willing to participate in the garbage collection program during the fishing moratorium, as it could help supplement their livelihoods. However, Hong Kong fishing regulations do not permit it, especially since trawlers going out to sea during the moratorium could cause misunderstandings. "Although floating buoys are used to collect garbage, there needs to be a reasonable explanation and compliance with the law before going out to sea, otherwise it will be very troublesome." He also supports trying polypropylene fish boxes instead of styrofoam boxes. Currently, a styrofoam box costs about five to six yuan. Depending on the price of the polypropylene fish box, if its load-bearing capacity, durability, and insulation are similar, and it can be reused many times, then it is worthwhile to switch. Source: Environmental Information Centre (2017-04-16)
