Pioneering Ocean Protection: Sri Lanka’s First Marine Strainer Project

Oceanpick Leads the Way at Cod-bay Harbour

Cod Bay Harbour

21 May 2025

Today marks a historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s marine conservation journey. Oceanpick, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully installed a buoy line at the mouth of Cod-bay Harbour—a critical first step in deploying the country’s first-ever marine plastic strainer system.

How the Marine Strainer Works

A buoy line has been installed to study water current patterns, slack zones, and navigation routes. This ensures the strainer is placed in the most effective location.
The strainer system—a floating barrier made of buoyant materials—will trap plastic debris carried by tides and surface currents.
Collected waste will be removed regularly, preventing it from drifting into deeper waters or sensitive habitats.

Protecting Marine Life & Welfare

Plastic pollution is one of the leading causes of injury and death among marine animals. Turtles, fish, seabirds, and even Oceanpick’s own farmed barramundi are vulnerable to ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. This initiative directly supports:

Wildlife safety: Prevents ingestion and entanglement in plastics
Habitat integrity: Reduces pollution in breeding and feeding grounds
Water quality: Supports healthier ecosystems for both wild and farmed species
Sustainable aquaculture: Ensures Oceanpick’s operations remain environmentally responsible and welfare-focused

A First for Sri Lanka

As the first initiative of its kind in Sri Lanka, there is no existing blueprint to follow. Oceanpick is charting new territory, relying on field data, local expertise, and the technical support of the Sri Lanka Navy to guide every step of the process. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and environmental leadership.

Oceanpick’s Marine Strainer Project isn’t just about collecting plastic—it’s about restoring balance to the ocean, protecting the creatures that call it home, and building a future where aquaculture and nature thrive together.