Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Annual International Coastal Clean-up Conference commenced at Rose Hall in Montego Bay on Wednesday, five months ahead of International Coastal Clean-up Day which is set for September 20.

The conference, which is being staged by the United States-based advocacy organisation, The Ocean Conservancy, is being held over three days. It is the first time the event is being held outside the United States or its territories.

Behaviour change

In her keynote address, president and chief executive officer of The Ocean Conservancy, Vikki Spurill, said the organisation would be focusing heavily on behaviour change communication to tackle the issue of marine litter.

"The science of social marketing tells us that education is good, but alone, it is not enough," she said. "Our efforts to change people's behaviour must go beyond education. Of course, we will continue to inform people about the dangers of trash in the ocean, but the key to success is to take it a step further, to work at the community level and directly involve people."

She added: "The truth is that ocean ecosystems cannot protect us unless they are healthy and resilient. Abundant wildlife, protected ecosystems and sustainable fisheries are key to a strong web of life in the ocean. Harmful impacts are exacting a toll we can no longer afford to pay."

During the annual International Coastal Clean-up Day in Jamaica last year, close to 30,000 pieces of garbage were removed from a small number of the island's beaches.