Marine Litter Vital Graphics

CONCLUSIONS

What needs to happen now?

Prevention is key – Reduce the amounts of single- use plastics, phase out non-recoverable plastics, promote redesign of plastic products to extend their life-span and facilitate recovery and recycling once used – these are essential long-term solutions. With regard to short- term solutions, improved collection and management of wastewater and solid waste offers the most immediate short-term solution to reducing the flow of plastic into the marine environment, especially in developing economies. New Approaches – While further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the source, transport, fate and effects of marine litter, we know enough now to design and implement science-based measures to deal with the problem. Adaptive management and policy will be instrumental in incorporating the wealth of knowledge that is continuously being generated on marine plastic debris and microplastics. Share knowledge and expertise – New awareness raising activities need to be developed and we need to take a more multi-disciplined approach that will encourage public-private partnerships and citizen-led movements

to slow down or reverse the further degradation of our marine and coastal environment.

Implement existing regulatory instruments – Full implementation of regulations and an assessment of their effectiveness will show that there is progress to be made. It will also enable assessment of how to better integrate and improve these instruments. Behaviour change – Besides improved governance at all levels, long-term solutions should focus on behavioural and system changes such as more sustainable production and consumption patterns. Take action – Marine litter mitigation activities such as beach and shoreline clean-ups should be prioritized in areas where action will lead to the recovery of ecosystems – and substantially increase awareness about the problem. One size does not fit all – By acknowledging factors such as gender, demographics, individual motivations and different perceptions of risk and responsibility, the cost of action can be reduced and it can bemademore sustainable.

Marine Litter Vital Graphics

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