Database of Research, Legal and Policy Efforts on Pollution from Marine Plastics in ASEAN+3

Summary of research topics: Two published peer-reviewed papers relevant to marine plastics could be found for Brunei Darussalam, but they refer to the same study with a more detailed discussion in the most recent article. The research topic of the study was focused on surveying and monitoring abundance and types of micro- and macro-plastics in selected riverine and coastal beaches of Brunei Darussalam.

Summary of understanding at national level: There has been limited number academic research conducted to understand marine plastic pollution issues in Brunei Darussalam, but the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) has national-level initiatives to tackle plastic waste issues. The studies indicate that most of the marine debris are macroplastics with size >20 mm (61.86%), followed by mega plastics with size >100 mm (22.29%), and hypothesise that they might be from land-based sources with higher flow in wet weather.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; surveys and monitoring, source differentiation, contribution from rivers; main players

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Summary of research topics: The few studies published in Cambodia relate results from surveying and monitoring of pollution from macroplastics in unspecified coastal ecosystem areas.

Summary of understanding at national level: The few studies and news reports have revealed plastic pollution as an emerging issue in the country. However, the level of understanding is limited to some macroplastic abundance in a few areas.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; surveys and monitoring; main players

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Summary of research topics: Published research articles focus mainly on surveying and monitoring, with good coverage of micro- and macro-plastics (including ALDFG) through a combination of sampling, quantification, identification and characterisation methods. Various marine environs where marine plastics can be found have also been examined. The presence of marine plastics in the aquatic environment, downstream impacts in both ecological-environmental and socio-economic, source differentiation, movement and accumulation probabilities are also examined and well-understood.

Summary of understanding at national level: Pollution from marine plastic is a known issue in Indonesia. This awareness has triggered research in various research foci and there is a holistic understanding of the issues raised. Research suggests that mangroves may be a plastic sink and accumulation areas and a greater concentration of microplastics in proximity to human settlements. Packaging was reported as the most common macroplastic across all studies, followed by consumer products, fishing gears and building and construction material. There is experience in source differentiation and pathways at local level as well as coastal communities’ perception and willingness to mitigate pollution from plastic debris. Pollution from organic and inorganic contaminants associated with plastic are understood.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; waste management; guidelines; beach clean-up; national research framework; surveys and monitoring; methodology of monitoring and assessment of marine litter; source differentiation; contribution from fisheries; ALDFG; contribution from rivers; accumulation zones; hotspots; fragmentation and degradation; ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; methodology for marine plastic clean-up; movement of plastics; social perceptions; main players

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Summary of research topics: With Lao PDR being inland, there is no research on marine plastic pollution in the country. However, as the Mekong River flows into the South China Sea and through other ASEAN states, their waste management approach is relevant.

Summary of understanding at national level: Plastic pollution appears to have been missed as a priority in the scientific scene.

Keywords/research fields: N.A.

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Summary of research topics: A large proportion of peer-reviewed articles focus on the surveying and monitoring of both micro- and macro-plastics in various marine environs and with a geographic coverage of most of the country. Methodologies to monitoring and assessing were examined in few studies, considering the discrepancies seen across studies. Impacts posed by marine plastics were also explored, mainly in marine biota of commercial value and with a potential effect on human health. There have been some attempts at exploring the upstream origin of some marine plastic.

Summary of understanding at national level: Malaysia shows visible research efforts, with 36 literature reviews published, and has a good understanding of marine plastic pollution issues. Local research efforts are visible and active. The focus on surveying and monitoring provides valuable results for both abundance of macroplastic and microplastics. However, polymer types are generally not identified for microplastics, making any hypothesis of progress from macro- to micro-plastic difficult to be investigated. Ingestion by marine life is also explored but not transfer through the food chain, movement of plastic or plastic as a transport vector for its associated contaminants.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; waste management; surveys and monitoring; methodology for the monitoring and assessment of marine litter; source differentiation; discharge from offshore infrastructures (including aquaculture); ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; movement of plastics; social perceptions; plastics as transport vector; plastic additives; main players

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Summary of research topics: The few marine plastic studies published in Myanmar concern four out of 17 research foci. The primary efforts deployed to date concern surveying and monitoring in three marine and riverine habitats (i.e. coastal beaches, upstream river basin and coastal surface waters and in coastal fish).

Summary of understanding at national level: There is a limited understanding of pollution from marine plastic in Myanmar at the national level, with only three research studies with a limited scope. A seminar has been conducted for capacity building in scientific research, including monitoring marine plastic pollution. Also of note is another ongoing surveying and monitoring project of marine plastics in coastal areas.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; surveys and monitoring; contribution from rivers; main players

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Summary of research topics: The majority of studies has focused on ecological and environmental impacts, followed by survey and monitoring to understand pollution status and public outreach/beach clean-up.

Summary of understanding at national level: Marine plastic research in the Philippines appears to be at infancy, with only 14 published studies. Though few, these studies provide some insights to the status of marine plastic pollution in the Philippines, where most of them indicate negative impacts of marine debris on numerous marine taxa groups and environments. Across these studies, varied methodologies have been used in monitoring marine litter in marine biota and environments across the Philippines, thus making it difficult to do direct cross-comparisons.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; guidelines and standards; public outreach; beach clean-up; waste management; national research framework, coordination; surveys and monitoring; contribution from rivers accumulation zones; hotspots; fragmentation and degradation; ecological and environmental impact; ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; main players

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Summary of research topics: The majority of studies in Singapore focused on ecological and environmental impact, followed by survey and monitoring to understand pollution status and plastics as a transport vector.

Summary of understanding at national level: The body of plastic research in Singapore is still at an early stage with only a few published studies. However, the results from field studies (e.g. ICCS, Project Aware) provide insights into the status of marine plastic pollution in Singapore, with most of them indicating negative impacts of marine debris on numerous marine taxa groups and environments. To date, there is no study examining the sources, accumulation and hotspot areas of marine plastics along Singapore’s coastline.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; surveys and monitoring; ecological and environmental impact; plastic as transport vector; main players

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Summary of research topics: Research on marine plastics in Thailand does not appear to be a main research thrust of any marine laboratory currently. Seven of the eight studies found for this report were conducted since 2016. They focus primarily on survey and monitoring to understand pollution status and on ecological and environmental impact, followed by socio-economic impact.

Summary of understanding at national level: Published articles and reports on pollution from marine plastics may not reflect the understanding of the issue at national level due to unpublished work (in English) by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, including by international coastal cleanups since 2009. Published articles highlight negative impacts of marine plastic debris on several marine taxa groups and all habitats sampled. However, varied methodologies and technologies have been used in monitoring marine litter that only allow a limited understanding of issues. Furthermore, studies of seabed sediments and surface waters are missing, as well as of source differentiation.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; surveys and monitoring; source differentiation; contribution from fisheries; ALDFG; accumulation zones; hotspots; ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; main players

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Summary of research topics: Publications on pollution from marine plastics in Vietnam show that the country is at an early stage of research on this topic. The four articles found were published since 2016 and all involved foreign research partners together with local institutions. Despite the relatively small number of publications, these publications cover a large number of research topics, ranging from laws and other national measures to POPs transported and released by marine plastics.

Summary of understanding at national level: Two of the studies focused on the Saigon River and suggested that it would contribute four times more plastic debris to the marine environment than had been estimated in 2017. Resin pellets were also identified as a pathway for POPs. A review also suggested that vessels and fishing gear would be a substantial source of marine debris. However, there is no clear evidence of this. Furthermore, there is no analysis of polymers that compose marine plastic debris, nor of the presence or impact of marine plastics on marine biota, or on the seabed and in seabed sediments.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; surveys and monitoring; methodology for the monitoring and assessment of marine litter; source differentiation; contribution from rivers; accumulation zones; hotspots; fragmentation and degradation; ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; movement of plastics; adsorption-desorption of contaminants; organic contaminants; inorganic contaminants; plastic as transport vector; main players

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Summary of research topics: China leads the region in terms of number of research papers on marine plastics (128 peer-reviewed papers published since 2015), which are focused on several topics of interest. There is a particular emphasis on monitoring surveys for microplastics, focused on quantification of microplastics spanning all marine environs including a variety of different habitat types and marine biota. Similarly, studies of ecological and environmental impacts have a particular focus on presence of microplastics, rather than intake/absorption mechanisms and food chain transfer. By contrast, there seems to be little research on macroplastics and their degradation, source differentiation, movement of plastics, accumulation and hotspots, ALDFGs, social perception and socio-economic impacts. Published articles and the number of institutions involved show China’s leading research capacity in plastic research.

Summary of understanding at national level: There appears to have been a near country-wide sampling for marine microplastics abundance in a number of abiotic and biotic environments. These studies include polymer identification as well as associated contaminants. Much of the research is conducted at relatively high levels of technology, particularly evident in the frequent use of spectroscopy and the studies of sorption dynamics of specific chemicals. However, there is still a lack of standardised protocols for detection, sampling and extraction of plastics. The plastic classification system proposed by Wang et al. (2019) may be useful on this path of harmonisation or consistency in preferred sampling protocols.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; upstream research; waste management; surveys and monitoring; methodology for the monitoring and assessment of marine litter; source differentiation; contribution from fisheries; ALDFG; accumulation zones; hotspots; ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; adsorption-desorption of contaminants; organic contaminants; inorganic contaminants; plastics as transport vector; plastic additives; heavy metals; main players

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Summary of research topics: RO Korea has acknowledged issues linked to pollution from marine plastic and surveyed marine debris since the 1990s. However, scientific research papers on the topic were only published after 2000 and mostly since 2014. Early publications focused specifically on pollution from EPS (styrofoam) buoys used in mariculture. Studies from RO Korea covered the most number of research foci among the ASEAN+3 countries, and had the most balanced representation of different research foci. A majority of the papers examined (n=67) focused on surveys and monitoring to understand pollution status, followed by plastics as a transport vector, and other contaminants associated with marine plastics (especially HBCD and PCB). However, there is a lack of research and consistent methodology to survey macroplastics found in the water column, on or in the seabed and coastal environments other than sandy beaches (e.g. mudflats).

Summary of understanding at national level: Plastic pollution research is concentrated mostly on sandy beaches and near-coastal sea surface, with a particular focus on the region of Geoje Island and the Nakdong River. Several surveys advance beyond inventorying and compare plastic abundances and composition within their environ, leading to a more specific understanding of the distribution and accumulation of plastic debris. ALDFGs are the subject of a number of papers which suggest that they represent a very substantial contribution of marine plastic debris. Another finding is that concentration in HBCD would be greater in sediments close to industrialised areas and EPS buoys (such as those used in aquaculture farms). Several articles highlighted a strong interest to and proposal for improving methodologies for sampling and research on marine plastics. Several papers stand out as they focused on marine plastic clean-up operations on the seabed and in the water column. However, they focus primarily on the cost-effectiveness of existing methods without an analysis of net ecological benefit or relative benefits of different removal methods.

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; public outreach; beach clean-up; waste management; surveys and monitoring; methodology for the monitoring and assessment of marine litter; source differentiation; fibreglass-reinforced plastic vessels; contribution from fisheries; ALDFG; contribution from rivers; accumulation zones; hotspots; fragmentation and degradation; ecological and environmental impact; socio-economic impact; methodology for marine plastic clean-up; movement of plastics; social perceptions; adsorption-desorption of contaminants; organic contaminants; inorganic contaminants; plastics as transport vector; plastic additives; heavy metals; main players

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Summary of research topics: Japan’s research effort on marine plastics is notable for its early start in 2001 and its breadth across research topics covering most aspects of pollution by plastics. Some of the research requires a more technical understanding and advanced research material (i.e. plastic as a transport vector, and plastic adsorption/desorption experiments). All environs are also being investigated, including a few studies on the deep seafloor and deep-sea organisms. More than half of the articles published seek to quantify the presence and abundance of marine plastic debris. The second most common research focus is ecological and environmental impacts, with a primary interest in ingestion of macro- and microplastics by various marine life, including seabirds, fish, and shellfish.

Summary of understanding at national level: For most of the microplastics studies published, the studies distinguish the types of plastic polymers and the shapes of plastics (i.e. fragments, microbeads, pellets, etc.), as well as specific ecological and environmental impacts. However, there is limited polymer-specific research investigating the extent of polymer-types fragmentation and degradation in the marine environment. Nearly one-third of the papers focus on marine plastics as a pathway for pollution by other organic substances or by inorganic contaminants (e.g. POPs and heavy metals). Dominant sources of marine plastics appear to be ALDFGs, rivers, land runoffs and untreated sewers. Other sources mentioned are the unintentional release to the environment of resin pellets during manufacturing and transport, as well as plastic fragments from nearby large ocean basins. No investigation on plastic transfer through the food chain has been found, nor article on the physical impacts of macroplastics on marine life such as endangered migratory species (e.g. whales, sea turtles and seabirds).

Keywords/research fields: National approach; solid waste; trade of plastic waste; research foci; marine environs; laws and administrative measures; public outreach; beach clean-up; waste management; surveys and monitoring; methodology for the monitoring and assessment of marine litter; source differentiation; contribution from fisheries; ALDFG; contribution from rivers; accumulation zones; hotspots; fragmentation and degradation; ecological and environmental impact; movement of plastics; adsorption-desorption of contaminants; organic contaminants; inorganic contaminants; plastics as transport vector; plastic additives; main players

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Summary of role: Often referred to as the constitution for the oceans, UNCLOS is a comprehensive and near universal treaty. It is not the only treaty that applies to pollution of the sea and the protection of the marine environment, but it is the only one which is intended to regulate all activities at sea. UNCLOS includes both provisions that are directly implementable by states and framework provisions that require agreement and formulation of further regulations, measures, standards and procedures at international, regional and/or national levels. With 168 state parties, UNCLOS is near universal.

Scope and work: UNCLOS covers land-based pollution as well as all activities at sea. In the absence of a COP for UNCLOS, implementation work on pollution from plastic is handled by relevant competent organisations such as UNEA, IMO, FAO, COP to the London Convention and Protocol, etc.

Keywords/research field: UNCLOS; land-based pollution; sea-based pollution; pollution from shipping; pollution from dumping; pollution from mining; general provisions; obligation of cooperation

Click here for full section on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Summary of role: UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It is also the highest decision-making body with the most general and applied mandate to combat pollution from marine plastic litter and microplastics. Decisions (resolutions, declarations, recommendations and other formal decisions) are made by consensus.

Summary of recommendations and work status: UNEA is driving to strengthen coordination and research capacity for better understanding of sources, pathways and hazards as well as barriers and challenges to actions to combat pollution from marine plastic litter and microplastics. A review is scheduled at UNEA-5 in 2021 of commissioned studies and reports from other bodies.

Keywords/research fields: United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA); The Future We Want; United Nations General Assembly (UNGA); Creation of UNEA; function and mandate; SGD 14; UNEA Resolutions on marine plastic litters and microplastics; UNEA-1, UNEA-2, UNEA-3, UNEA-4

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1. GLOBAL PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES (GPA)

Summary of role: The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA) is an intergovernmental mechanism established in 1995 to respond to land-based sources of pollution of the marine environment and includes plastics waste in its scope. It is a voluntary and non-binding programme. An Intergovernmental Review Meeting (IGR) had been organized every 5 years since 2001to review implementation of the GPA

Summary work status: The last IGR, in 2018, resulted in a general agreement on continuing work on enhancing the mainstreaming of the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, especially from the environmental threats caused by increased nutrients, wastewater, and marine litter and microplastics. The future of the GPA was also discussed and referred to UNEA-4. However, the latter did not make a decision on this. The future of the work of this GPA is therefore unclear.

Keywords/research fields: Function and Mandate; Status of work; 2012 Manila Declaration on Furthering Implementation of the GPA

2. AD-HOC OPEN-ENDED EXPERT GROUP (AHEG) ON MARINE LITTER AND MICROPLASTICS

Summary of role: The AHEG was established by the 3^rd UNEA (UNEA-3) in 2017 to further examine and report on the barriers to and options for combating marine plastic litter and microplastics from all sources. It is not a decision-making body. Two meetings of the AHEG were held prior to UNEA-4 and a further three meetings before UNEA-5.

Summary of recommendations and work status: The current programme of work of the AHEG, decided by UNEA-4, includes : (i) To take stock of existing activities and action by governments, regional and global instruments, international organisations, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and other relevant contributors to reduce marine plastic litter and microplastics; (ii) To identify technical and financial resources or mechanisms for supporting countries in addressing marine plastic litter and microplastics; (iii) To encourage partnerships that undertake activities such as the development of source inventories, the improvement of waste management, awareness-raising and the promotion of innovation in relation to the prevention of marine litter, including plastic litter and microplastics; and (iv) To analyse the effectiveness of existing and potential response options and activities with regard to marine litter and microplastics at all levels to determine the contribution that they make to solving the global problem.

Keywords/research fields: Ad Hoc Open-Ended Expert Group (AHEG) on Marine Litter and Microplastics; Function and mandate; UNEA 3/7; UNEA 4/6; Status of work; Scientific Advisory Committee; barriers to combating marine litter and microplastics; national; regional and international response options; Marine litter; microplastics; stocktaking of existing activities; plastic; effectiveness; response options; partnerships; technical; financial; resources; private sector

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Summary of role: IMO is the global regulator of international shipping including disposal of waste from vessels at sea and in port reception facilities as well as other potential disposal of matter or substances from vessels that may contain plastic or other noxious contaminants such as possible additives to plastic. Marine environmental issues, including marine plastic pollution, are dealt with primarily by the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC). Since 2018, marine plastics have become an item under the Agenda of MEPC.

Summary of recommendations and work status: An Action Plan to Address Marine Litter from Ships and a Working Group was established under the MEPC, with measures to be completed by 2025. These include the reduction of marine plastic litter generated by shipping in general, as well as in particular from and retrieved by fishing vessels, effectiveness of port reception facilities and new regulatory measures. The MEPC also agreed on terms of reference of a study group on marine litter from ships, a regulatory framework matrix to identify all international regulatory instruments and best practices associated with the issue of marine plastic litter from ships. The last MEPC meeting mandated a Correspondence Group to develop a strategy to address marine litter from ships for discussion at MEPC75 in March 2020.

Keywords/research fields: International Maritime Organisation (IMO); function and mandate; international shipping; regulatory framework; Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC); MARPOL; work on marine plastic pollution at the MEPC; marine litter from ships; garbage from ships; ALDFG; Action plan to address marine litter from ships; IMO Study on marine plastic litter from ships; correspondence group

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Summary of role: The 1972 London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter and its 1996 Protocol (LC/LP) promote effective control and prevention of pollution of the sea by dumping of waste and other matter. Given this mandate, LC/LP also addresses the dumping of plastic waste generated on land or offsfore into the ocean.

Summary of recommendations and work status: Dumping of plastic waste at sea is prohibited under the LC/LP. Additionally, the governing bodies of LC/LP adopted a statement encouraging action to combat marine litter including through the identification and control of marine litter at source and to encourage monitoring, additional study and knowledge-sharing. An inventory on the workstreams carried out under the bodies of LC/LP on the issue of marine litter and microplastics is being developed.

Keywords/research fields: London Convention/Protocol (LC/LP); function and mandate; provisions on plastics and ongoing work on marine plastic; persistent plastics and other persistent synthetic materials; dumping at sea; assessment of wastes proposed for disposal at sea; ongoing work; presence of plastics in the waste streams; recommendation to encourage action to combat marine litter; marine litter; microplastics

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1. THE BASEL CONVENTION

Summary of role:  The Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and other wastes to make such trade operate in accordance with environmentally sound management principles. Until May 2019, as most plastic material was not considered to be hazardous, most trade of plastic scrap and waste could be considered to fall outside the scope of measures. However, the 2019 amendments clarify the scope of plastic wastes presumed to be hazardous and therefore subject to the PIC procedure.

The Base Convention plays a complementary role with that of the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions (see details on these conventions below). Together they provide for regulations on different aspects of the management of environmentally hazardous materials and aim to restrict and control the production, use and trade of hazardous chemicals for production or as waste.

Summary of recommendations and work status: The 2019 amendment come in the context of the strengthening of the joint work programme of the Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions which started in 2017 which includes joint effort on hazardous substances from plastic products. This also includes the establishment of a ‘triple COP,’ meaning that meetings of their respective COPs occur concomitantly or jointly for subjects that fall within the scope of each three such as the regulation of hazardous substances associated with plastic products. The Working Group of the  Basel Convention Partnership on Plastic Waste was also established in 2019 and its work is ongoing.

Keywords/research fields: Basel Convention; Stockholm Convention; Rotterdam Convention; triple COP; function and mandate; transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their Disposal; persistent organic pollutants; POPs; prior informed consent; PIC; hazardous chemicals; technical guidelines for the identification and environmentally sound management of plastic wastes and for their disposal; plastic waste partnership; adoption of Conventions in ASEAN+3

2. THE STOCKHOLM AND ROTTERDAM CONVENTIONS

Summary of role: The Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions provide for regulations to restrict and control the production, use and trade of toxic and hazardous chemicals for production or as waste. The chemicals covered include some of those associated with plastic production, its use and disposal which can be found with marine plastic litter. The Stockholm Convention prohibits, restricts and sometimes aims to eliminate the production, use and import-export of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Annexes A and B list POPs that must be eliminated or restricted. Annex C focuses on the minimisation of releases from unintentional production of chemicals it lists. A number of POPs under the control of the Stockholm Convention are used as additives, flame retardants or plasticizers in plastics, such as BDEs, HCHs, PFOSA, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride. The Rotterdam Convention stipulates a prior informed consent (PIC) mechanism for the international trade of hazardous chemicals. Chemicals that are subject to this procedure are listed in Annex III of the Convention and include some of the chemicals also regulated by the Basel and Stockholm Conventions and associated with the production of plastic products or marine plastic litter (i.e. PCB and DDT).

Summary of recommendations and work status: Since 2017, the COPs of the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Basel Conventions have strengthened their joint work programme including joint effort on hazardous substances from plastic products. They also set up a ‘triple COP’ meaning that meetings of their respective COPs occur concomitantly or jointly for subjects that fall within the scope of each three such as the regulation of hazardous substances associated with plastic products. Led to successive amendments to the Conventions resulting in the strengthening of scrutiny and control over plastic wastes, hazardous plastic or plastic-associated substances and their associated chemicals (especially additives and plasticizers). New plastic-related POPs were listed for control in 2018.

Keywords/research fields: Stockholm Convention; Rotterdam Convention; Basel Convention; triple COP; function and mandate;; persistent organic pollutants; POPs; prior informed consent; PIC; hazardous chemicals; technical guidelines for the identification and environmentally sound management of plastic wastes and for their disposal; plastic waste partnership; adoption of Conventions in ASEAN+3

Click here for full section on Hazardous and Toxic Contaminants (Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions).

Summary of role: COFI is the subsidiary body of the FAO Council, established at its 13th Meeting in 1965 to the only global intergovernmental forum where major international fisheries and aquaculture problems and issues are examined. Plastics are relevant in the work of COFI in dealing with abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears (ALDFG).

Summary of recommendations and work status: FAO has undertaken projects and studies on reducing ALDFG and the effects of microplastics in fisheries and aquaculture:

• FAO voluntary guidelines on the marking of fishing gear
• A global feasibility project on the marking of fishing aggregating devices (completed)
• A field project in Indonesia focused on the practical application of gear marking and lost gear retrieval in small-scale coastal fisheries (completed)
• Study on microplastics in fisheries and aquaculture

Keywords/research fields: FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI); function and mandate; work on marine plastics: Abandoned; Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gears; ALDFG; gear marking; lost gear retrieval; voluntary guidelines; work on marine plastics: microplastics; plastic and microplastics in fisheries and aquaculture; FAO Fisheries Circular 1163; Symposium on Responsible Fishing Technology for Healthy Ecosystems and Clean Environment; FAO study on Microplastics in Fisheries and Aquaculture

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Summary of role: The Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) is an advisory body of experts tasked to provide status of science on specific topics on marine environmental protection through a mandate granted by UN bodies. GESAMP publishes its finding in public reports. Plastics and microplastics in the marine environment have been a topic of study under GESAMP since 2012.

Summary of recommendations and work status: GESAMP has established the Working Group ‘Sources, Fate and Effects of Plastics and Microplastics in the Marine Environment’ in 2012 and produced several reports on pollution from marine debris and microplastic, in particular ‘Sources, Fate and Effects of Microplastics in the Marine Environment’ Part 1 (2015) and Part 2 (2016); and ‘Guidelines For the Monitoring and Assessment of Plastic Litter in the Ocean’ (2019).

Keywords/research fields: Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection; GESAMP; function and mandate; environmental assessments; publications; reports; studies; guidelines and workshops; working group (WG 43); GESAMP reports on plastic pollution in the marine environment; working group (WG 40): Sources, Fate and Effects of Microplastics in the Marine Environment; Guidelines For the Monitoring and Assessment of Plastic Litter in the Ocean; report: A Global Assessment

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Summary of role: International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control. INTERPOL provides investigative support, expertise, and training to law enforcement worldwide in battling three major areas of transnational crime: terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime.

Summary of recommendations and work status: INTERPOL Environmental Security Programme and its Pollution Crime Working Group participate in coordinated global effort in tackling the illegal trade of plastic worldwide through global law enforcement.

Keywords/research fields: International Criminal Police Organisation; INTERPOL; function and mandate; INTERPOL Environmental Security Programme; Pollution Crime Working Group (PCWG); illegal trade of plastic work; work; illegal waste crime, capacity building; Operation 30 days of Action, Operation 30 days at sea

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1. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF)

Summary of role: GEF provides funding for developing countries and countries with economies in transition to meet the objectives of the international environmental conventions and agreements. GEF support is provided to government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector companies and research institutions, to implement projects and programmes in recipient countries.

Summary of recommendations and work status: Under the 7th replenishment of the GEF fund, marine litter and microplastics is now a GEF’s focal area.

Keywords/research fields: Global Environment Facility; GEF; funding marine litter and microplastics projects and programmes; GEF Trust Fund; GEF assembly

2. G7 AND G20 ACTION PLANS TO COMBAT MARINE LITTER

Summary of role: Group of Seven (G7) is an intergovernmental economic organisation consisting of seven of the largest advanced economies of the world. The organisation regards itself as a “community of values”. An annual Summit is attended by its Members’ Leaders while its Members’ Ministers and civil servants meet throughout the year to discuss issues such as energy policy, climate change, HIV/Aids and global security. Group of Twenty (G20) was founded at the G7 Finance Ministers’ Meeting on 26 September 1999. Its Members are the G7 plus 12 major advanced and emerging economies and the EU. Issues discussed at the G20 focus on shared economic, political and health challenges.

Summary of recommendations and work status: In 2015, the G7 adopted an Action Plan to Combat Marine Litter. In 2017, the G20 also adopted an Action Plan on Marine Litter which is very aligned with the G7 Action Plan. However, the G20 is more active. In 2019, the G20 adopted the G20 Implementation Framework for Actions on Marine Plastic Litter. It provides G20 Members’ commitments for facilitation and collaborative actions to implement the Action Plan whilst emphasising the importance of UN and other relevant intergovernmental bodies.

Keywords/research fields: Group of Seven; G7; Group of Twenty; G20; Action Plan to Combat Marine Litter; Action Plan on Marine Litter; G20 Implementation Framework for Actions on Marine Plastic Litter

3. CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Summary of role: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992 to achieve three goals, including conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Summary of recommendations and work status: Under the CBD, an expert workshop was organised to prepare practical guidance on preventing and mitigating the significant adverse impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal biodiversity and habitats in 2014. In 2016, the COP of the CBD acknowledged and urged states to take into account the Voluntary Technical Guidance on Preventing and Mitigating the Impacts of Marine Debris on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and Habitats.

Keywords/research fields: Convention on Biological Diversity; CBD; background and aim; work; expert workshop; preventing and mitigating the significant adverse impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal biodiversity; report “Marine Debris as a Global Environmental Problem: Introducing a solutions based framework focused on plastic”; workshop; Voluntary Technical Guidance on Preventing and Mitigating the Impacts of Marine Debris on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and Habitats

4. THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Summary of role: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN agency in charge of the eradication of poverty and reduction of inequalities and exclusion. It focuses on implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Summary of recommendations and work status: UNDP supports activities relating to the protection of the marine environment in Southeast and East Asia through and with PEMSEA. UNDP also partners with local actors to promote awareness about plastics such as in Thailand and Cambodia.

Keywords/research fields: United Nations Development Programme; UNDP; background and aim; SGDs; promoting awareness about plastics, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

5. WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)

Summary of role: World Health Organisation (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations in charge of international public health. Its objective is the attainment of the highest level of health for all people.

Summary of recommendations and work status: WHO has highlighted pollution from marine plastics and participated in the UN call to “beat plastic pollution” on 2018 World Environment Day. In August 2019, WHO released research results on “Microplastics in drinking water” on the level of microplastics in drinking water

Keywords/research fields: World Health Organisation; WHO; background and aim; public health; marine plastic; beat plastic pollution; microplastics in drinking water

6. WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION (WMO)

Summary of role: The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) provides a framework for international cooperation for the development of meteorology, climatology and operational hydrology. Its focused areas include environment, oceans and public health.

Summary of recommendations and work status: In 2018, WMO participated in the UN “beat plastic pollution” campaign.

Keywords/research fields: World Meteorological Organisation; WMO; background and aim; framework for international cooperation; World Environment Day; beat plastic pollution

Click here for full section on Other UN Organisations and Global Intergovernmental Bodies Involved in Combatting Pollution from Marine Plastics.

Summary of role: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation that has institutionalised wide-ranging cooperation among the ten Southeast Asian states. The ASEAN also facilitates cooperation between its Member States and extra-regional nations/organisations through its ASEAN-Plus mechanisms such as the ASEAN-China Dialogue Partnership, the ASEAN Plus Three (APT), the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The issue of marine plastics is addressed by different bodies within each mechanism.

Summary of work: The ASEAN and ASEAN-Plus mechanisms have issued a number of policy statements on marine plastics, including the 2019 Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Region, and the 2018 EAS Leaders’ Statement on Combating Marine Plastic Debris. ASEAN and the APT have marine plastic-specific action plans, such as the 2019 Framework of Action on Marine Debris, and the 2019 ASEAN+3 Marine Plastics Debris Cooperative Action Initiative respectively. Generally, these mechanisms recognise that marine plastic pollution is a regional challenge and have facilitated workshops on marine plastics since 2017.

Keywords/research fields: ASEAN; ASEAN-Plus; ASEAN-China dialogue partnership; ASEAN Plus Three; ASEAN-Plus dialogue, East Asia Summit; ASEAN regional forum; initiatives; Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris; Framework of Action for Marine Debris; ASEAN working group on coastal and marine environment; ASEAN Working group on chemicals and waste; ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; ASEAN-EU; EU-ASEAN development cooperation; Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN dialogue instrument; ASEAN+3; Marine Plastics Debris Cooperative Action Initiative; EAS Leaders’ Statement on Combating Marine Plastic Debris, Manila Plan of Action

Click here for full section on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Summary of role: The Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) is a partnership arrangement including state and non-state parties, to address the “identified threats to the environment and sustainable development of the Seas of East Asia.”
Combating marine plastics is one of the key areas of work under the Pollution Reduction and Waste Management Programme of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA), PEMSEA’s management framework.

Summary of recommendations and work status: PEMSEA’s 2018-2022 implementation plan uses a source-to-sea approach. A key initiative is the UNDP/GEF Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM). Much of PEMSEA’s work is focused on local governments and communities. In November 2019, the PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) announced a Marine Debris Prevention Initiative during the PNLG General Assembly.

Keywords/research fields: Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia; PEMSEA; function and mandate; relevant policy statements; work on marine plastics; Source-to-sea approach; Pollution Reduction and Waste Management; Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia; Integrated River Basin Management; Iloilo Ministerial Declaration; Marine Debris Prevention Initiative; PNLG; Manila Bay Area Integrated Information Management System

Click here for full section on Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA).

Summary of role: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a multilateral trade and economic dialogue forum. It is not intended to formulate binding commitments or treaty obligations. However, guidelines or manuals could be developed by working groups

Summary of work: Numerous projects and workshops have been sponsored and organised by APEC member states on the topic of pollution from marine plastic debris. In 2014, the Xiamen Declaration which encouraged cooperation on the reduction and mitigation of marine pollution, including from land-based sources resulted in the establishment of Virtual Working Group on Sustainable Material Management and Innovative Solutions to the Problem of Marine Debris. In 2019, APEC adopted the 2019 Roadmap on Marine Debris.

Keywords/research fields: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; APEC; function and mandate; Projects; Events; Roadmap on Marine Debris; Xiamen Declaration; Virtual Working Group on Sustainable Material Management and Innovative Solutions to the Problem of Marine Debris (VWG); APEC Workshop on Innovative Marine Debris Solutions; Capacity Building; Compendium of Preventive Measures and Policies; Understanding and Addressing Marine Debris Impact in the APEC Region; Capacity Building on Global Marine Debris Monitoring and Modeling: Supports Protection of the Marine Environment; APEC Marine Debris Management Guidelines; APEC Workshop on Marine Debris and Microplastics; Report on Economic Costs of Marine Debris to APEC Region

Click here for full section on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Summary of role: The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) is a multilateral partnership of six countries and non-governmental members working together to sustain extraordinary marine and coastal resources by addressing crucial issues such as food security, climate change and marine biodiversity.

Summary of recommendations and work status: CTI-CFF has been focused on beach clean-up, public education and outreach.

Keywords/research fields: Coral Triangle Initiative; CTI-CFF; function and mandate; work on marine plastics; beach clean-ups; public education; outreach; Coral Triangle Day

Click here for more information on the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF).

1. ASIA-PACIFIC FISHERIES COMMISSION (APFIC)

Summary of role: The Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (APFIC) is an Article XIV FAO Regional Fishery Body in charge of promoting the full and proper utilization of living aquatic resources in the Asia-Pacific region.

Summary of work: No work reported on pollution from marine plastics in documents made available online by APFIC

Keywords/research fields: Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission; APFIC; function and mandate

2. SOUTHEAST AISAN FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SEAFDEC)

Summary of role: The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC) is an autonomous inter-governmental body established in 1967 to promote and facilitate concerted actions among the Member Countries to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia.

Summary of work: SEAFDEC has been studying the presence of microplastics in fisheries products and the loss and discard of fishing gear.

Keywords/research fields: RFB, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre; SEAFDEC; plastic pollution from fisheries; ghost nets; ALDFG;

Click here for full section on Regional Fisheries Bodies.

Summary of role: The Sub-commission for the Western Pacific of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, a UN body (IOC-WESTPAC), is in charge of promoting international cooperation and coordinating programmes in marine research, ocean observations and services, as well as capacity building in the Western Pacific and adjacent seas.

Summary of work: The IOC-WESTPAC has an ongoing project on the distribution, source, fate and impacts of marine microplastics.

Keywords/research fields: IOC-WESTPAC; function and mandate; projects; events; distribution; source; fate and impacts of marine microplastics; WESTPAC Workshop on Distribution; Source; Fate and Impacts of Marine Microplastics; International Symposium on Marine Microplastic Pollution and Control; Training Workshop

Click here for full section IOC-WESTPAC.

Summary of role: Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS Forum) is a forum initiated by Indonesia for archipelagic states and island states around the world in 2018, to strengthen cooperation between members to deal with shared challenges in areas of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster management; economic challenges and opportunities such as the blue economy, responsible and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, economic growth and creation of decent working opportunities; marine plastic debris; and good maritime governance

Summary of work: One of the focus areas of the AIS Forum is marine plastic debris. Cooperation on this topic appears to have until now been focused on sharing of smart solutions

Keywords/research fields: Archipelagic Island States Forum, AIS Forum, Archipelagic States, Island States, Function and mandate, Manado Joint Declaration, marine plastic debris

Click here for full section on Archipelagic and Island States Forum.

Summary of role: The World Bank is an international donor, focusing on helping developing countries to reduce poverty, increase shared prosperity and promote sustainable development.

Summary of work: The World Bank approaches marine plastics as a barrier to development and poverty alleviation. Its work on prevention of marine plastic pollution focus on the development of waste management and upstream solutions. It supports studies and provides financial support to prevent pollution from marine plastic debris in East Asia and the Pacific.

Keywords/research fields: World Bank; engagement on marine plastics; examples of projects and initiatives; studies and reports; improving solid waste management in Indonesia; PROBlue Trust Fund; Indonesia – Marine debris hotspot rapid assessment; Solving Marine Pollution: successful models to reduce wastewater; agricultural runoff; marine litter

Click here for full section on World Bank.

Summary of role: The Commonwealth is an association of states with declared shared goals such as development, democracy and peace. It has now 53 Members with a total population of about 2.4 billion people. The Commonwealth adopted the Blue Charter in 2018 which recognises marine pollution from plastic as an ocean challenge across the Commonwealth.

Summary of work: A number of initiatives are being developed to support research in and limitation of marine plastic pollution such as the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, Commonwealth Marine Plastics Research and Innovation Framework and the Commonwealth Litter Programme and ACU Blue Charter fellowships.

Keywords/research fields: Commonwealth; Commonwealth Blue Charter; The Common Clean Ocean Alliance; Commonwealth Marine Plastics Research and Innovation Framework; Commonwealth Litter Programme; ACU Blue Charter fellowships

Click here for full section on Support to ASEAN States Provided by the Commonwealth.

Summary of role: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a development bank focused on the promotion of social and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Summary of work: ADB launched the Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies for the Asia and Pacific region in May 2019. It signed a Letter of Intent with the Ministry of National Development of Indonesia to outline commitment on “South-South and Triangular Cooperation” on the reduction of marine plastic debris. In December 2019, ADB issued a tender on a new project titled “Promoting Action on Plastic Pollution from Source to Sea in Asia and the Pacific” for a knowledge and support technical assistance cluster.

Keywords/research fields: Asian Development Bank, (ADB); Asia-Pacific; loans; assistance; grants; Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies, South-South and Triangular Cooperation, Promoting Action on Plastic Pollution from Source to Sea

Click here for full section on the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Summary of role and work: NIVA is conducting fundamental and applied research on marine and freshwaters. NIVA is looking at the effects of microplastics on agricultural systems and power environments. NORAD is the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. NORAD is in charge of the Norwegian Development Programme to Combat Marine Litter.

Keywords/research fields: Norwegian Institute for Water Research; NIVA; IMPASSE project; measuring microplastics in blue mussels; soils dumps for microplastics of urban origin; microplastics in the marine environment

Click here for full section on Norwegian Public Funding Agencies: NIVA and NORAD.

Summary of role and work: SIDA is Sweden International Development Agency. SIDA is funding a project to combat marine litter and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia to be implemented by UNEP and COBSEA since 2018.

Keywords/research fields: Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA); project to combat marine litter and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia; MARPLASTICCs

Click here for full section on Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

1. ADDRESSING MARINE PLASTICS: A SYSTEMIC APPROACH (AMPSA)

Summary of role: ‘Addressing Marine Plastics: A Systematic Approach’ is a partnership led by the UNEP to develop a strategic roadmap to help guide transition to circular plastic economies.

Summary of work: A project with four components are currently being implemented: global alliance platform for circular economy; mobilising investment in waste management infrastructure and advance waste management solutions; developing a roadmap for GEF engagement and strategy development; facilitating knowledge sharing and project coordination.

Keywords/research fields: Addressing Marine Plastics; UNEP; New Plastics Economy; Ocean Conservancy; GRID-Adrenal; Global Environment Facility; circular economy; global alliance platform; investment; waste management; roadmap; strategy development; knowledge sharing; project coordination; role of gender

2. GLOBAL PLASTIC ACTION PARTNERSHIP (GPAP)

Summary of role: The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) is hosted by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the World Resources Institute to tackle plastic waste from source to sea by fast-tracking circular economy solutions through identification of investable solutions.

Summary of work: The GPAP has launched pilot initiatives in key regions (Indonesia, Vietnam and Ghana) to accelerate the transition towards circular economy on the ground.

Keywords/research fields: Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP); World Economic Forum; World Resources Institute; plastic waste; circular economy; National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP)

3. IUCN: CLOSE THE PLASTIC TAP PROGRAMME (IUCN – CPTP)

Summary of role: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a hybrid environmental network established in 1948 composing of both civil society and government organisations.

Summary of work: The IUCN’s programme of work on marine plastics, titled “Close the Plastic Tap”, focuses on tackling pollution at its source. Several projects run within this programme in different parts of the world and ocean basins.

Keywords/research fields: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Close the Plastic Tap; MARPLASTICCS; workshops; tackling marine plastics in Thailand; PWFI, Ha Long – Cat Ba Alliance; report; review of plastic footprint methodologies

4. THE GLOBAL GHOST GEAR INITIATIVE (GGGI)

Summary of role: The Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) is a cross-sectoral alliance launched by the World Animal Protection in 2015 to achieve a net reduction of ghost gears in the ocean by 2030.

Summary of work: The GGGI consists of a series of projects reviewed by the GGGI Project Review Board and approved by the GGGI Steering Group: Global Ghost Gear Portal and Ghost Gear Reporter, Best Practice Framework for the management of fishing gear, Myanmar Ocean Project – Ghost Gear Removal in the Myeik Archipelago, Gear Marking in Indonesian Small Scale Fisheries, Thai Union Ghost Gear Work Plan and Philippines: the Steveston Harbour Net Recycling Initiative.

Keywords/research fields: Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI); GGGI Review Board and GGGI Steering Group; Global Ghost Gear Portal and Ghost Gear Reporter; Best Practice Framework for the management of fishing gear; Myanmar Ocean Project – Ghost Gear Removal in the Myeik Archipelago; Gear Marking in Indonesian Small Scale Fisheries; Thai Union Ghost Gear Work Plan; Philippines: the Steveston Harbour Net Recycling Initiative

Click here for full section on Global Hybrid Partnership with International Organisations.

1. FAUNA AND FLORA INTERNATIONAL (FFI): MARINE PLASTICS PROGRAMME

Summary of role: Fauna and Flora International (FFI) was established in 1903 in the UK to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide.

Summary of work: In 2012, FFI officially launched FFI Marine Plastics Programme to raise awareness of marine microplastics and its threats and stop the direct source of microbeads and pre-production pellets.

Keywords/research fields: Fauna and Flora International (FFI); FFI Marine Plastics Programme; Ridge to reef conservation in Tanintharyi, Myanmar; plastic pollution; mismanaged plastic waste; Cambodia’s Marine and Coastal Programme; coastline plastic debris; No Time to Waste report

2. OCEAN CONSERVANCY (OC)

Summary of role:  Ocean Conservancy is an NGO established in 1972 to protect the ocean, its wildlife and dependent communities.

Summary of recommendations and work status: Ocean Conservancy has initiated a number of global initiatives and participated in other UN initiatives to combat marine plastics such as the International Coastal Cleanup and Trash Free Sea Alliance.

Keywords/research fields: Ocean Conservancy; International Coastal Cleanup (ICC); ICC report; Trash Free Seas Alliance; stemming the tide report; the next wave; role of gender in waste management report; plastic policy playbook

3. TRASH HERO (TH)

Summary of role: Trash Hero is a global volunteer movement with the mission to bring the communities together to clean and reduce waste.

Summary of recommendations and work status: Trash Hero’s activities consist of cleaning trash, educating children, creating long-term programmes that help communities to reduce and better manage waste, and helping companies to reduce waste through Trash Hero @Work.

Keywords/research fields: Trash Hero; Trash Hero World; weekly clean-up programme; Trash Hero @ Work; annual reports

4. THE OCEAN CLEANUP (TOC)

Summary of role: The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit legal entity founded in 2014 in the Netherlands with the overall objective of removing marine plastics

Summary of work: In October 2019, the Ocean Cleanup announced an oceanic clean-up attempt using a modified and refined engineering system to capture marine debris. Another objective of the Ocean Cleanup is to create a value chain on the basis of the collected plastic debris. In prevention of new wastes from entering the ocean, the Ocean Cleanup designed a different clean-up system, “The Interceptor”, to trap plastics from rivers.

Keywords/research fields: The Ocean Cleanup; marine debris; cleanup system; floating arrays; floating boom system; The Interceptor

5. 4OCEAN (4O)

Summary of role: 4ocean is a private profit-driven business founded in the United States, which provide donations to ocean-related non-profits.

Summary of work: Merchandise sales provide donations to the works of marine and coastal clean-up effort.

Keywords/research fields: 4ocean; plastic crisis; purpose-driven business model

6. PROJECT AWARE (PAWARE)

Summary of role: Project AWARE is a registered non-profit organisation which advances policies on plastic debris and sharks and rays.

Summary of recommendations and work status: Project AWARE flagship science-citizen programme is Dive Against Debris, which has scuba divers remove marine debris from the ocean and report data on the types, quantities and locations of materials collected.

Keywords/research fields: Project AWARE; dive against debris; adopt a dive site

Click here for full section on Organised and Sustained International Clean-up Efforts – Civil Society.

1. CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE (CEFAS)

Summary of role and work: CEFAS is the UK government’s centre for applied marine and freshwater science and research.

Summary of work: Marine litter, including marine plastics, is a research focus of CEFAS with an emphasis on waste management, reducing sea-based sources of litter and developing a more sustainable life cycle for plastics. CEFAS is in charge of the delivery of the UK-funded Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP).

Keywords/research fields: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science; CEFAS; Commonwealth Litter Programme; CLiP

2. COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION (CSIRO)

Summary of role: CSIRO is an independent Australian federal government agency responsible for scientific research with marine debris as a focus area.

Summary of recommendations and work status: CSIRO has carried out many projects relating to plastic and waste management.

Keywords/research fields: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; CSIRO; projects; global plastic losses; ALDFG; commercial fishing lines; marine pollution; modelling and monitoring marine litter movement; transport and accumulation; microplastics

3. EAST CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY (ECNU)

Summary of role and work: East China Normal University (ECNU), China, has a plastic marine debris research center and has visible publications in marine plastic research.

Keywords/research fields: East China Normal University (ECNU); plastic marine debris research center; hotspot monitoring; marine plastic waste forum

4. THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (IETC)

Summary of role and work: The International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) is a think-tank to promote the collection and dissemination of knowledge on Environmentally Sound Technologies with a focus on waste management.

Keywords/research fields: International Environmental Technology Centre; IETC; think-tank; waste management

5. GRID-ARENDAL

Summary of role and work:  GRID-Arendal is a Norwegian governmental foundation established in 1989 to support environmentally sustainable development, with a research focus on marine debris (including marine plastics).

Keywords/research fields: GRID-Adrenal; marine debris; marine plastics; maps; graphics; controlling transboundary trade in plastic waste; addressing marine plastics; stock-taking report

6. OUR SEAS OF EAST ASIA NETWORK (OSEAN)

Summary of role and work: Our Seas of East Asia Network (OSEAN) is a RO Korean non-profit organisation active in research, education promotion, policy development and international co-operation to protect the marine environment with a focus on marine debris.

Keywords/research fields: Our Seas of East Asia Network; OSEAN; marine debris; research; education promotion; policy development; international cooperation; coastal cleanup

7. PLASTICS IN SOCIETY HUB

Summary of role and work: Plastics in Society Hub is a UK-led society that aims to establish a multi-national, multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder research and innovation hub to solve the global challenge of plastics in society.

Keywords/research fields: Plastics in Society Hub; research; innovation

Click here for full section on Visible Scientific Institutions and Efforts.

1. GA CIRCULAR

Summary of role:  GA circular is a private initiative that provides services to companies, investors, global foundations and government agencies in reaching a circular economy in Asia.

Summary of work: The work of GA circular includes particular expertise in post-consumer packaging and food waste, through providing services in research and data analytics, strategy and policy advisory, technical assistance and stakeholder engagements to its clients.

Keywords/research fields: GA circular; circular economy; post-consumer packaging; food waste; research and data analytics; strategy and policy advisory, technical assistance; stakeholder engagements; EPR; MRFs

2. CIRCULATE CAPITAL

Summary of role:  Circulate Capital is an investment management firm based in New York dedicated to financing companies, projects and infrastructures that prevent the flow of plastic waste to the world’s ocean and advance the circular economy.

Summary of work: The work of Circulate Capital includes the development of financing mechanisms for solutions to the problem of ocean plastic pollution in South and Southeast Asia.

Keywords/research fields: Circulate Capital; financing mechanisms; ocean plastic pollution; flow of plastic waste; circular economy; waste stream; solid waste management; capture and reuse; USAID partnership; Circulate Capital Ocean Fund; reports; Handbook for Action: Investing on reduce plastic pollution in South & Southeast Asia

3. THE CIRCULATE INITIATIVE

Summary of role: The Circulate Initiative is a U.S. registered initiative non-profit organisation founded in 2019 with support from Circulate Capital to help address the ocean plastic issue through education, support and finance of innovation in waste management and incubation of investable businesses that can bring those innovations to market

Summary of work: The Circulate Initiative has three core activities: incubate, measure and amplify.

Keywords/research fields: Circulate Initiative; innovations; waste management; incubate; measure; amplify; The Incubation Network (TIN); Ocean Plastic Prevention Accelerator; Plastic Data Challenge

4. FOOD INDUSTRY ASIA (FIA)

Summary of role: Food Industry Asia (FIA) founded in 2010, is the representative of the food industry in Asia. Its members include suppliers, manufacturers and retailers of food.

Summary of work: FIA deals with plastic under the framework of sustainable packaging. It released a study in 2018 on tackling plastic and packaging waste in Southeast Asia.

Keywords/research fields: Food Industry Asia (FIA); F&B; background and aim; Sustainable Packaging; plastic waste; packaging waste; Tackling Plastic Waste in Asia

5. OCEAN PLASTICS CHARTER

Summary of role:  The Ocean Plastics Charter was approved by five G7 states (Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the UK) and the EU in June 2018 to demonstrate commitments to take measures to address the plastic problem. It lays the groundwork for reuse and recycling.

Summary of role: The Charter’s Action Plan has five categories of actions, including coastal and shoreline action, which focuses on outreach and education.

Keywords/research fields: Ocean Plastics Charter; action plan; Ocean Plastics Charter’s Action Plan

6. NEW PLASTICS ECONOMY – ELLEN MACARTHUR FOUNDATION

Summary of role:  New Plastics Economy is an initiative launched by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2016 to build momentum towards a circular economy for plastics, starting with packaging.

Summary of work: In 2017, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation launched the New Plastic Economy Innovation Prize. In 2018, the Foundation launched the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. It has implemented a number of Pioneer Projects which bring together stakeholders from across the plastics value chain to address the system challenges that no organisation can face alone. It also created Plastics Pact, a network of national implementation initiatives aligned around a common vision and set of ambiguous targets.

Keywords/research fields: New plastics economy; Ellen MacArthur foundation; background; aim; activities; projects; New Plastics Economy Innovation Prize; New Plastics Economy Global Commitment; pioneer

7. ALLIANCE TO END PLASTIC WASTE (AEPW)

Summary of role: The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is made up of more than 40 companies worldwide which produce, use, sell, process and recycle plastics and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which committed one billion USD with the goal of investing 1,5 billion USD in the next five years to help end plastic waste in the environment.

Summary of work: The Alliance hosted the first international forum in Tokyo, Japan in July 2019 and the first forum in Southeast Asia in August 2019. It launched a partnership with project STOP to support development and launch of a waste management recycling system in the regency of Jembrana, Indonesia. It also entered into partnership with Plug and Play to create an accelerator program focused on the plastics value chain to identify startups with different innovations to address plastic waste in the environment.

Keywords/research fields: The Alliance to End Plastic Waste; AEPW; background; activities, partnership with Project STOP; partnership with Plug and Play

Click here for full section on Public-Private and Private-Dominated Partnerships.