Sri Lanka Ocean Watch app to track marine pollution has been launched by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to digitize marine conservation efforts, improve environmental monitoring, and strengthen coordination for coastal clean-ups across the country.
Sri Lanka Ocean Watch app to track marine pollution and improve coastal conservation
The web-based mobile application, named Ocean Watch, is designed to modernize the management of Sri Lanka’s marine and coastal environment by providing a digital platform that connects government agencies, local authorities, private organizations, and the public. Officials say the initiative will improve the country’s ability to respond quickly to pollution incidents while encouraging greater public participation in environmental protection.
According to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the platform enables users to report marine pollution incidents and submit environmental complaints in real time. These reports can then be reviewed by relevant authorities, allowing quicker identification of affected areas and more efficient responses to pollution events.
The application also supports planning for coastal clean-ups by helping authorities identify beaches and coastal zones that require immediate attention. In addition, the digital mapping features allow officials to pinpoint strategic canal locations where waste barriers can be installed to prevent land-based debris from flowing into the ocean.
MEPA said the platform is expected to improve the efficiency of marine environmental management by combining technology with community participation. By collecting information directly from citizens and stakeholders, authorities can better monitor pollution trends and allocate resources where they are needed most.
The Sri Lanka Ocean Watch app to track marine pollution also serves as a collaborative platform that strengthens partnerships between the public and private sectors. Government institutions, local councils, businesses and environmental organizations can use the application to coordinate conservation activities more effectively, reducing duplication of effort and improving the impact of clean-up campaigns.
An important feature of the initiative is its support for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. Through the platform, private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be able to adopt designated stretches of coastline for maintenance over agreed periods. This approach is expected to encourage long-term stewardship of beaches while complementing the work carried out by public authorities.
Environmental experts have increasingly emphasized the importance of digital tools in tackling marine pollution, particularly in island nations where coastal ecosystems play a vital role in tourism, fisheries and biodiversity. Timely reporting and coordinated action can help reduce the environmental and economic impact of waste entering the ocean.
The launch of the Sri Lanka Ocean Watch app to track marine pollution reflects Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to strengthen marine conservation through technology and community engagement. By making it easier to report pollution, organize coastal clean-ups, and encourage corporate participation, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable framework for protecting the country’s coastal and marine resources.
MEPA said the application will continue to support collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, businesses and citizens, with the shared objective of preserving Sri Lanka’s coastline for future generations. As environmental challenges continue to grow, digital platforms such as Ocean Watch are expected to become an increasingly important part of marine resource management.