Chapter 17 - Macroplastics Pollution in the Marine Environment

Abstract

More than 320 million tons of plastics are produced globally each year. Thus, the introduction of plastic waste into the marine environment is a global concern, causing direct and indirect impacts on ecosystems, marine fauna, and local economies. This chapter discusses the marine pollution by plastics (large debris). It starts by presenting an overview of the global distribution of marine plastic debris in the world oceans. Then threats from plastic pollution to wildlife and the environment are discussed. At the end of the chapter, global action and initiatives, as well as agreements and measures to prevent and combat plastic debris in the marine environment, are presented.