Professor Onyema, an advocate for marine conservation, has stressed the urgent need to address plastic pollution during a webinar organized by the Society for Ecological Restoration, UNILAG Student Chapter, on the occasion of the 2024 World Fish Migration Day themed “Flowing Free”.
He highlighted the detrimental impact of plastics on fish migration and proposed solutions such as phasing out single-use plastics, organizing community clean-up exercises, and implementing policies against environmentally harmful plastic materials.
He also stressed the importance of innovative research to develop alternatives to plastics.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s crisis-level plastic pollution, Professor Onyema cited examples from other countries like Japan and the UK where measures to reduce plastic usage have been successful.
He urged Nigerians to opt for reusable items and actively participate in clean-up events while advocating for policy changes.
In response, Prof. Excellence Akeredolu, Coordinator of the SER UNILAG Student Chapter, stated the significance of the webinar in addressing the devastating impact of plastic pollution on fish populations in Nigeria.
He, however, called for increased funding for research to provide alternatives to plastics and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to restore the ecological integrity of waterways.
The Society for Ecological Restoration, UNILAG Student Chapter, also engaged Grade 5 pupils from the University of Lagos Staff School to raise awareness about aquatic biodiversity and the threats to fish migration.
The students discussed the reasons for fish migration and the dangers posed by plastic pollution in the aquatic environment.
They encouraged the pupils to reduce plastic usage and properly dispose of plastic waste, while also promoting the reuse and recycling of plastics.
As part of the event, the pupils were provided with drawing materials to express their understanding of fish migration through art.
