Overview
The workshop titled “Workshop on the Development of a Methodology for Estimating Plastic Leakage Using Point Data Collected at River Mouths along the Northern Gulf of Thailand” was held on 20-21 February at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) building via hybrid mode. This was a part of GIC’s ongoing project with JICA and DMCR on “Pilot testing to seek the possibility on the utilization of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for plastic pollution monitoring at the river mouth of the Gulf of Thailand”. The workshop was designed to achieve the following objectives through presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions:
- Identify a suitable method for plastic leakage estimation: Review global studies to identify a harmonized method for estimating plastic leakage at river mouths.
- Adapt and refine the identified method using DMCR monitoring data: Customize the identified method based on DMCR’s existing data, addressing challenges and providing recommendations for improving monitoring practices.
- Identify challenges and provide recommendations: Finalize the methodology, summarize key findings, and outline challenges and recommendations to enhance DMCR`s monitoring activities, particularly for floating debris at river mouths.
Highlights
The presentation on the CCTV Pilot Testing at a River Mouth in the Northern Gulf of Thailand, delivered by Dr. Kittiphon Boonma, Research Specialist, Geoinformatics Center, Asian Institute of Technology, provided an in-depth analysis of the pilot study conducted to assess the feasibility of using CCTV technology for monitoring floating plastic debris in Thai rivers. The study aimed to support data-driven policy decisions on marine litter management through improved monitoring Techniques. Dr. Boonma presented the findings from the project ‘A pilot testing to seek the possibility on the utilization of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for plastic pollution monitoring at the river mouth of the Gulf of Thailand.’, contracted by JICA to assist with DMCR.
The presentation concluded with an engaging discussion session, during which participants expressed interest in adopting CCTV monitoring in additional locations and integrating it into Thailand’s national marine debris monitoring framework. The research team reaffirmed their commitment to further improving the AI model and expanding the study to optimize automated plastic pollution tracking.
