The Marine Environment Protection Authority
MEPA
The Marine Environment Protection Authority abbreviated MEPA is the apex body established by the Government of Sri Lanka, under the provisions of Marine Pollution Prevention Act No.59 of 1981, which was later repealed and replaced by Marine Pollution Prevention Act No.35 of 2008. MEPA is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Environment and is entrusted with the sole responsibility of preventing, controlling, reducing and managing the pollution of Sri Lanka’s marine environment. We are also responsible for the enforcement of the above enactment.
History
In the beginning, the authority which was established in 1991 under the provisions of Marine Pollution Prevention (MPP) Act No 59 of 1981, was called Marine Pollution Prevention Authority (MPPA) and was under the purview of the Ministry of Port and Shipping until 1994. However, with the passage of time, in order to meet the growing challenges in marine pollution prevention in Sri Lanka, caused due to global advancements of economic development activities, the prevailed MPP Act No 59 of 1981 was repealed and replaced by Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008. One significant change introduced with the Act, which was made effective from January 1st, 2009, was the renaming of MPPA as Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). This Act has strengthened the law enforcement capabilities of the Authority in order to deal with any Act of marine environment pollution in a more effective and efficient manner.
Functions and Responsibilities of MEPA
Efficient Administration of Marine Protection Laws
Collaborative Research for Pollution Prevention
Cutting-Edge Port Waste Reception Facilities Providing state-of-the-art facilities
National Contingency Plan for Pollution
Collaborative Research for Pollution Prevention
Lesser-known coastal pollutants factors
Our coastlines are rich ecosystems that support migrating birds, a variety of marine life, and flourishing communities. However, they are becoming more and more endangered by less obvious types of disturbance, such as light, sound, and visual pollution, in addition to obvious trash and chemical pollution.
We at the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) are dedicated to bringing attention to these frequently disregarded dangers and encouraging measures to safeguard the wellbeing of our coastal ecosystems.
What is Visual Pollution ?
The presence of unattractive man-made structures, colours, trash, signs, and modifications that diminish the natural beauty of coastal environments is referred to as visual pollution.
Effect on Environments Along the Coast:
- Habitat Disruption: Important habitats for marine and shoreline animals are broken up by rubbish piles, abandoned boats, and excessive coastal developments.
- Decreased Biodiversity: Sensitive species are deterred from living in or visiting contaminated places by aesthetic deterioration, which frequently results in habitat loss.
- Economic Repercussions: Tourism, a major source of income for many coastal areas, can be adversely affected by unsightly coasts.
What is Pollution from Light?
Excessive or poorly directed artificial light that illuminates the night sky and interferes with natural cycles and animal behaviors is known as light pollution.
Effect on Environments Along the Coast:
- Wildlife Disorientation: For instance, the arrival and directing of mother turtles, the determination of the sex on the light, Furthermore, hatchling sea turtles depend on natural light signals to get to the ocean. When hatchling after hatchling came out from the nest, they are misdirected by the artificail lights, and they perished rather than oriented towards the ocean.
- Ecosystem Disruption: For eating, mating, and migration, a variety of marine and coastal species, including fish and birds, depend on natural light patterns. These essential functions can be interfered with by light pollution.
- Energy Waste: In addition to endangering wildlife, inefficient lighting fuels climate change and higher carbon emissions.
- Artificial lights attract the insects to the restaurants and it’s a nuisance specially on food services.
What is Pollution of Sound ?
Human-generated noise that disrupts the natural acoustic environment, such as that produced by high sound beach parties, ships and boats, construction, industry, and recreational watercraft, is referred to as sound pollution.
Effect on Environments Along the Coast:
- Stress and Behavioral Shifts: Fish, whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures utilize sound to communicate, navigate, and identify potential threats. Stress, confusion, and alterations in migratory patterns can result from increased underwater noise.
- Decreased Reproductive Success: Prolonged exposure to noise can disrupt mating habits, communication styles, and reproduction-related interactions.
- Habitat Abandonment: Prolonged noise pollution may force certain species to permanently abandon otherwise healthy environments.
Our Solutions
At MEPA, we think that the best way to protect our coastal treasures is via community action, sustainable development, and education.
This is how you can assist:
- Encourage low-impact coastal development that preserves the integrity of the environment and its natural beauty.
- When lighting near beaches, use low-intensity, shielded fixtures and downward-facing lights as part of safe lighting practices.
