The future of ocean plastics: designing diverse collaboration frameworks

Abstract

This paper aims to guide the stakeholder engagement process related to plastic pollution research in marine environments. We draw on advice identified during an online workshop (Ocean Plastic Workshop 2022) organized by Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) from 11 countries, held in April 2022. International experts and workshop participants discussed their experiences in the collaborative development and implementation of ocean plastic pollution projects held worldwide, guided by three main questions: (i) What is the role of scientists in a multi-stakeholder project? (ii) How should scientists communicate with other stakeholders? (iii) Which stakeholders are missing in collaborative projects, and why are they missing? This multidisciplinary, co-learning approach highlights the value of stakeholder engagement for ocean plastic projects with an end goal to identify and implement ocean plastic solutions via innovative technologies, informing policy, community engagement, or a combination of all three approaches. The target outcomes of the workshop described in this paper include the identification of transdisciplinary (academic-stakeholder) engagement frameworks and specific suggestions that can serve as guidelines for the development of future plastic pollution projects.

The NOAA NCEI marine microplastics database

“…In addition to the harm to aquatic organisms and the environment, microplastics pollution affects economies in many ways, including clean-up costs, decline in fisheries and coastal tourism [25][26][27] . Over time, lost fishing gear breaks down through abrasion and biofouling resulting in the release of microplastic fragments and fibers 24 .…”

“…Despite the growing awareness and increase in microplastic research, a lack of large-scale, long-term, comprehensive data hinder a complete understanding of the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics. Even when available, the management of marine debris data, from large size visual surveys along the coast and in the open ocean, to effects of microplastics on planktonic communities, the blue economy, among others, lags far behind the needs of the scientific, education, and decision-maker communities 27,32 . The European Union's EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data Network) marine litter database 33 (https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/chemistry) archives and offers downloadable microplastic data as part of its floating microlitter collection.…”

Editorial: The sustainability series: the plastics problem - pathways towards sustainable solutions against plastic pollution

“…This has sparked a global response that has resulted in the creation of numerous national and international laws. An important step was reached when the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) agreed to be given the responsibility of negotiating a legally binding international convention to address the comprehensive effects of plastics (Treaty to End Plastic Pollution by 2024) (Mofokeng et al, 2023).…”