There are various departments under government for the cleanliness and hygiene of the environment. Hence Marine department is the main department under government responsible for taking action for marine pollution.

Marine Department

The Marine Department (MD) is responsible for the sea surface cleanliness. The services provided by the department include scavenging floating refuse from sea and foreshore areas, and free of charge domestic refuse collecting service for local vessels inside typhoon shelters and sea-going ships moored in anchorages and government mooring buoys.

Besides regular scavenging services, MD’s contractor will also assist green groups to dispose of the refuse collected at beaches after their cleanup operations. The foreshore cleansing force of MD’s contractor may also work together with green group volunteers to clean up marine refuse accumulated at foreshore areas which are inaccessible by land.

The Department has deployed wardens to patrol marine beaches and marine reserve on a daily basis by both land and sea, giving advice to visitors and taking law enforcement action when necessary.

Education/publicity programs are being conducted to promote public awareness in clean shorelines through:

● conveying message of keeping a clean and healthy environment through a wide range of education programs including seminars, school talks, field studies and exhibition;

● producing posters, leaflets and other publications to enhance public understanding on the importance of keeping the cleanliness in beaches;

● Erecting different sign and information boards along the coast of oceans to remind the beach visitors of keeping the shoreline clean.