Exploring the management policy of marine microplastic litter in China: Overview, challenges and prospects

Abstract

Marine microplastic pollution has been a serious problem in recent years, threatening people's health. The Chinese government has promulgated a series of policies to manage marine microplastics. Analysis of marine microplastic litter management policies is necessary to improve the management of marine microplastics and coordinate the reduction of plastic waste generation. Based on 171 policy documents, this paper uses literature and content analysis methods to analyze the policies since 2016 using ROSTCM6 software. These policies start with curbing the sources and monitoring the presence of marine microplastic litter. The study found that policy management shows the characteristics of insisting on land and sea integration, strengthening plastic waste recycling, strengthening scientific and technological support, and coordinating ex-ante monitoring and ex-post assessment. Although the Chinese government has made progress in marine microplastic litter management policies. However, further development is still needed in terms of the management system, multi-subject collaboration, division of responsibilities among management departments, and public awareness. Finally, this paper emphasizes the need to improve the management policy, focus on technology, encourage the participation of multiple subjects, strengthen education, and establish an integrated management mechanism for land and sea.