How plastic pollution poses challenge for Canada marine conservation

Montreal: One of the largest producers of plastic waste per capita, Canada is struggling to protect its designated marine protected areas from this po...

Montreal: One of the largest producers of plastic waste per capita, Canada is struggling to protect its designated marine protected areas from this pollution, experts warn.

Here are some key points about the issue facing the North American country.

Significant plastic pollution

With more than four million tonnes produced each year, Canada generates "two to four times more" plastic pollution per person than the global average, said Anthony Merante of the NGO Oceana.

In 2020, more than 90 percent of plastic waste ended up in landfills or was incinerated, and only seven percent was recycled, according to the Canadian environment ministry.