India, July 10 -- India's marine debris database remains scattered, making it difficult to identify true hotspots and frame effective policy, says KUFOS Vice Chancellor A Biju Kumar.

Kumar says India needs local studies on microplastics, nanoplastics, plastic degradation and emerging contaminants in Indian coastal waters and marine habitats.

A national research consortium, stronger solid-waste management and incentives for fisherfolk are needed to tackle marine litter, he says.

India lacks a comprehensive baseline on marine litter, making it difficult to identify true hotspots, assess ecological impacts and design targeted policy, says A Biju Kumar, vice chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies.

In this inter...