Eight new trash booms are set to be installed in key waterways by early next month as part of an initiative aimed at reducing marine litter. The new booms will target urban creeks, rivers, and drainage systems that empty directly into coastal areas, which are identified as high-risk zones for litter.
In an announcement made yesterday, officials detailed how the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has engaged in a partnership with Trash Boom Pacific through a memorandum of understanding. This collaboration will provide technical expertise, conduct site assessments, and offer operational support for these new installations.
The government emphasized that the program includes litter hotspot mapping and feasibility studies, ensuring that each installation site is carefully chosen based on local environmental and hydrological conditions. Moreover, additional potential hotspot locations have been earmarked for the year 2026 as part of a phased, evidence-based expansion strategy.
Trash booms serve as crucial first-line defenses against litter, capturing floating waste and allowing for its removal and proper disposal or recycling. This latest phase builds on the successful implementation of trash booms at both Nabukalou Creek in Suva and the Bailey Bridge near Laucala Beach. Insights gained from these sites will inform better strategies for placement, maintenance, and integration within the broader waste management system.
In a notable collaboration, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Fiji (CCEP Fiji) recently partnered with Trash Boom Pacific to install a trash boom barrier in Suva’s Samabula River, specifically targeting litter pollution. CCEP Fiji is financing the creation and installation of the barrier, in addition to covering ongoing maintenance costs, while Trash Boom Pacific oversees daily operations and waste collection efforts. This initiative aligns with CCEP Fiji’s Mission Pacific program, which has successfully recycled millions of plastic bottles and cans since its inception in 1999, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Community engagement remains a vital aspect of the expanded trash boom initiative, complementing the Ministry’s broader objectives regarding national waste management, marine protection, and pollution control. Overall, this program underscores a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and community involvement in preserving natural waterways.
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