In order to strengthen the cleaning of marine waste in coastal cities across the province and accelerate the construction of beautiful bays with "clear water, clean beaches, flying fish and gulls, and harmony between people and the sea" , the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment , together with eight departments including the Provincial Development and Reform Commission , the Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development , the Provincial Department of Transportation , the Provincial Department of Water Resources , the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , the Provincial Department of Marine Economic Development , and the Provincial Department of Commerce , recently issued and implemented the "Implementation Plan for the Cleanup of Marine waste in Coastal Cities of Zhejiang Province" , and for the first time carried out a dragnet-style marine waste cleaning operation in all coastal cities across the province!

Editor's Note

The marine waste cleanup campaign launched by Zhejiang Province is committed to establishing a long-term governance mechanism and promoting the normalization of marine waste governance through cross-departmental cooperation and digital monitoring . The campaign not only improves the efficiency of waste cleaning, but also explores new paths for sustainable development through the recycling of marine plastics, providing valuable experience for other coastal areas across the country and demonstrating the government's responsibility and innovation in ecological protection.

This marine waste cleanup operation takes sea-friendly and livable bays and green industrial bays as core units , focusing on the bay areas adjacent to coastal cities, counties and towns, promoting land-sea linkage, multi-party collaboration, system governance and digital empowerment, and gradually establishing a long-term governance mechanism to enhance the people's experience of being close to the sea. The action actively connects with the "Coastal City Marine waste Cleanup Action Plan" of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other four ministries and commissions, expanding the original five key bays to 18. The goal is to achieve timely and effective cleaning of marine waste in key bays and enhance the "blue cycle" by 2025 ; by 2027, gradually eliminate the "unclean state" of more than 5‰ waste coverage in the bay , ensure the normalization of the cleaning level, and comprehensively establish a comprehensive governance system of "shore management, river blocking, and sea surface cleaning", and strive to make Zhejiang a benchmark province for marine waste governance in the country.

Focus on 6 Measures to Clean Up Marine Debris

This action focuses on a series of urgent issues that need to be addressed, such as the large amount and wide range of marine waste, unclear responsibilities of management departments, unclear definition of main responsibilities, and imperfect long-term mechanisms. It implements six major measures, including the establishment of a regular marine waste management system, source reduction, refined management, standardized disposal on shore, digital supervision, and high-value recycling:

1.1 Establish and improve a regular marine waste management system

Establish a closed-loop management system for the entire chain of marine waste, organize regular prevention and control of waste entering the sea and clean up and rectify it, and promote marine waste monitoring and supervision at sea. By the end of 2025, all coastal cities will have a marine waste cleaning, collection, transportation and disposal network fully covered.

1.2 Joint land and sea defense to promote the reduction of marine waste at the source

Focusing on towns (streets) around rivers flowing into the sea, we will strengthen the construction of solid waste collection and disposal systems, promote the upgrading and transformation of facilities and waste reduction, improve the construction of regional waste treatment and disposal facilities, promote the improvement of the river and lake chief system, and strengthen river patrol and protection work.

1.3 Strengthening the refined management of marine waste by clarifying responsibilities in different areas

Innovate the management model of marine waste cleaning in bays and beaches, strengthen the responsibility of marine debris management units, and ensure that there is no waste accumulation within the visible range of the shore. Focus on fishing ports and concentrated marine aquaculture areas, promote the upgrading and transformation of marine aquaculture facilities, and urge and guide fishermen to strengthen the collection and transportation of marine waste.

1.4 Scientific classification promotes standardized disposal of waste on land

Build and improve waste collection and transfer facilities in towns and villages along the bay coast, and strengthen the implementation of port pollution prevention and control measures. Strictly supervise the entire process of waste disposal, and do a good job in collection, transportation and disposal. Encourage the recycling of marine waste renewable resources, and hand over industrial solid waste and hazardous waste to qualified units for disposal.

1.5 Technological iteration strengthens digital supervision of marine waste

For the first time, it was proposed to implement regular waste monitoring by digital means. Strengthen the application of new technologies and new means, and establish an integrated marine waste investigation and monitoring system. Strengthen the digital supervision level of marine waste, and accelerate the construction of a digital governance government-side supervision platform.

1.6 Promote the high-value utilization of recycled marine plastics

Promote the high-value utilization of marine plastic waste. Strengthen the service guarantee for key links in the management of marine plastic waste. Accelerate the expansion of the scope of marine plastic waste management and open up the path of high-value utilization. Carry out pilot demonstrations of the "blue cycle" model throughout the region, strengthen the connection with local industries, and promote the establishment of a marine plastic traceability certification system.

In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the goals and tasks of the marine waste cleanup operation, Zhejiang Province has proposed four key safeguard measures in the plan: clarifying the responsibility system, strengthening financial guarantees, strengthening supervision and assessment , and strengthening publicity and participation . The implementation of these measures will help ensure that various tasks are efficiently promoted and form a long-term mechanism for jointly promoting marine waste governance. By clarifying the responsibility system and refining the division of responsibilities of various departments and localities, it is ensured that there are dedicated personnel in charge of each link ; at the same time, strengthening financial guarantees will provide sufficient financial support for the cleanup work to ensure the continuity and stability of the action . Supervision and assessment measures will ensure that various measures are implemented in place and that the governance results are not compromised through regular evaluation and supervision . In addition, the strengthening of publicity and participation will actively mobilize the participation awareness of all sectors of society, especially residents and enterprises, and form a good atmosphere of joint participation, co-governance and co-management by the whole society . Through these comprehensive safeguard measures, Zhejiang Province will promote the effective solution of the marine waste problem, enhance the people's sense of gain and happiness in being close to the sea, enhance the public's environmental awareness, further promote the construction of ecological civilization, and achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature. (Source: Zhejiang Ecological Environment)