Environmental expert Raghu Murtugudde stated at the Mangaluru Lit Fest that microplastics pose a significant threat to ocean health, entering the human food chain through fish. He emphasized the need for specific regulations to curb microplastics, alongside efforts to reduce overall plastic waste. The discussion also highlighted the historical connections between rivers and civilizations, like the Netravathi and Nile, underscoring that local environmental damage can have global repercussions.