MANILA - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has completed a pre-forum on marine environment protection in preparation for the 2nd Marine Environmental Protection Forum slated for this month. In a media bulletin on Tuesday, MARINA said the pre-forum led in cooperation with the Shipyards Regulations Service and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature Philippines helped align relevant port authorities on the science of marine plastic litter and its impact. The event also raised awareness of the policies and programs of the Department of Science and Technology, Cebu Ports Authority (CPA), the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, and other relevant authorities. It also allowed for the discussion and the finalization of the Nationwide Action Plan on marine litter. "The rapidly increasing amount of marine litter, including the plastic litter and microplastics, is now a serious environmental problem seen at a global scale," it said. The virtual pre-forum was opened on Fri