Marine Plastics Litter and Microplastics - Foresight Brief

This brief examines the growing problem of marine plastic litter and microplastics, outlining their sources, distribution, environmental impacts, and policy responses. Marine plastics continue to increase globally, affecting more than 700 species through entanglement, ingestion, suffocation, and the spread of invasive species, while different plastics either float or sink depending on their density. Hotspots occur along coastlines and within major ocean gyres. The brief highlights the need for stronger enforcement, harmonised data collection, public awareness, a global marine pollution framework, reduced plastic leakage, improved waste management, and international cooperation to support effective mitigation.