Abstract
Marine plastic litter (MPL) is a growing global problem and its prevention requires public engagement and behavioral change. Statistics of public perceptions of MPL are scarce and hardly comparable due to varying definitions and interpretations of the concept. This study identifies and classifies relevant components of public perceptions of MPL based on a large-scale survey across eight European countries sharing three European seas (North Sea, Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea). High levels of concern about MPL were observed throughout the EU and water pollution and plastics in oceans were consistently ranked in the top four most worrisome environmental challenges of our time. Most of the respondents (70%) reported noticing MPL, which influenced knowledge and feelings of responsibility with regards to MPL. The general public held companies and consumers most responsible for cleaning up MPL. Self-responsibility to reduce MPL varies considerably across and within countries, with the highest scores being reported in Greece and the lowest in Netherlands. Public knowledge on the recyclability of plastics was low in all countries. At the marine region level, the lowest scores for concern, perceived consequences and personal responsibility to reduce the use of plastics were reported in the North Sea region, followed by the Baltic Sea region and the highest scores were recorded in the Mediterranean Sea region. Using these results, policy implications and possible intervention strategies are discussed, to improve and increase public awareness, understanding, engagement, and sense of responsibility to change lifestyles and purchasing behavior to prevent and reduce MPL.
Highlights
Throughout the last decade, the problem of marine litter pollution has gained considerable worldwide attention while continuing to degrade marine and coastal ecosystems (Geyer et al, 2017)
Marine plastic litter (MPL) constitutes up to 95% of the waste that accumulates on shorelines, the sea surface and the sea floor and is increasingly polluting European seas (Galgani et al, 2015)
The findings of this study provide useful insights for national, regional and EU policymakers in developing effective and appropriate targeted strategies and interventions, accounting for public perceptions of MPL, with the aim to reduce plastics entering our seas and oceans
Summary
Throughout the last decade, the problem of marine litter pollution has gained considerable worldwide attention while continuing to degrade marine and coastal ecosystems (Geyer et al, 2017). Marine plastic litter (MPL) constitutes up to 95% of the waste that accumulates on shorelines, the sea surface and the sea floor and is increasingly polluting European seas (Galgani et al, 2015). This results in growing threats to marine and coastal ecosystems and the services they provide, causing environmental, economic, health and esthetic harm. . .] a man’s primary form of cognitive contact with the world around him.” This conceptualization of perception focuses on the fact that our sensory systems provide an observer with knowledge about what is present in his or her immediate environment (Boothe, 2002). This background section provides an overview of the existing body of literature focusing on public perceptions of marine pollution, the components covered to examine perceptions, and the existing lack of balance in coverage
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