Marine Debris Pollution is a growing transboundary, multi-dimensional problem with environmental, cultural, economic, and human health risks and associated costs, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
From derelict fishing gear to cosmetic microbeads, its various forms and sizes are found in all investigated marine compartments from pole to pole, from coastal shores to the depths of the oceans. Marine debris is a hazard to marine life and potentially also to human health. Large items cause entanglement and transport potentially invasive species, whereas smaller pieces, when ingested by marine animals, can cause starvation and be vectors for pollutants and pathogens. It is now clear that Marine debris poses a growing threat to marine ecosystems, maritime activities, and the well-being of ocean users.
UNEP defines marine litter as “any persistent, manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment” 2. IMDOS will address all litter and/or debris in the marine environment, regardless of origin or impacts of this type of marine pollution.
Plastic waste makes up most debris identified in aquatic systems, accounting for more than 80% of the total debris by number. In 2021, the total weight of plastics present in the oceans was estimated as 75 – 199 million tons4, with annual emissions projected to increase from 19 to 23 million metric tons in 2016 to 53 million metric tons by 2030, even with ambitious government targets.
Plastic pollution is poorly reversible -if not completely irreversible. Even if sources cease immediately, the existing environmental load and its continuous weathering will result in ongoing pollution for a prolonged period. Moreover, along with other human-generated pollutants, it exceeds the established limits for a safe planetary environment due to the rapid growth of plastic production surpassing the global capacity for governance.