19/06/2026
Southeast Asia’s Hidden Plastic Crisis
Plastic pollution in Southeast Asia is a growing crisis but researchers say we still know surprisingly little about how it affects the region’s largest marine animals.
In a recent study, Dr. Jose Isagani B. Janairo, DLSU Department of Biology Full Professor, joined an international team of researchers to examine the impacts of plastic pollution on marine megafauna, including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and seabirds.
The study found that although Southeast Asia contributes nearly one-third of the world’s marine plastic pollution, only a small fraction of studies on plastic ingestion and entanglement have actually been conducted in the region. By working closely with local experts, the researchers uncovered additional cases that had never been documented in international literature.
Their findings also showed that abandoned fishing gear and plastic packaging are among the biggest threats facing marine megafauna. For endangered species, the loss of even a few individuals can have serious consequences for already vulnerable populations.
The study underscores the urgent need for more locally driven research, stronger regional collaboration, and targeted solutions to better protect Southeast Asia’s extraordinary marine biodiversity.
Read this week’s at dlsuresearch.com/PlasticPollution
