Marine Litter Vital Graphics

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Impacts There is an urgent need to quantify the effects of macro- and microplastics on marine organisms and to further investigate effective prevention techniques. Besides the impact on human health through consumption of fish, which is addressed in a separate section below, there are some other research questions in relation to microplastics. These include the need to better understand the relationship between pathogens and microplastics. Other questions include the role of microbes in facilitating the fouling of microplastics by organisms, the ingestion of microplastic by organisms, and the potential transformation of toxins. There are a number of knowledge gaps that make it difficult to take the social dimension into better account in discussions about reducing the impact of marine plastic litter. Differences in consumer perception and behaviour of men, women and young people need to be studied to improve targeted measures and management issues. Why do some people take responsibility and others not? What drives behaviour change? These are just two of many questions that need to be answered. Risk assessment Specific research is needed to improve methodologies for measuring the loss of ecosystem services. Risk assessments and cost-benefit analyses need to be performed, and methods to effectively communicate the results need to be developed, in the areas of food security and safety, biodiversity, human health, social and economic impacts. Economic dimensions There is a need for improved understanding of the cost

and benefits of action in order to highlight cost-effective solutions. The inefficiency of letting plastic become waste needs to be assessed and the economic implications of reducing the use of plastics and recycling plastic waste need to be estimated. Fisheries and aquaculture There are research needs concerning the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with respect to sources, impacts and potential solutions and the role of women in fisheries. Abandoned fishing gear is, in certain parts of the ocean, one of the major contributors to marine litter and has far- reaching ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Studies have shown that fish and other marine life eat plastic. Plastics can cause irritation or damage to the digestive system. If plastics are retained in the gut instead of passing through, fish can feel full (of plastic not food) and this can lead to malnutrition or starvation. Primary and secondary microplastics are also ingested and enter the food chain. Given the relatively recent emergence of this research, there are few consistent and validated methodologies in place for the quantification and qualification of plastic particles from selected media (sediment, biota and water column). Above all, there is still insufficient study into the impacts and potentially harmful effects of micro- and nano-particles on organisms and ecosystems. Of major importance are the mechanisms by which microplastics are taken up and move up the trophic chain, where they may be consumed by humans, and the associated risks to human health. Special attention needs to be paid to the different effects this might cause in women, men and young children.

Marine Litter Vital Graphics

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