Plastic debris in the ocean

Plastic debris has now become the most serious problem affecting the marine environment, not only for coastal areas of developing countries but also for the world's oceans as a whole. Drifiting plastic debris is well recognized as having several adverse effects on marine species and ecosystems, but there is still a lack of precise knowledge about the quantity, sources, transport, accumulation and fate of plastics in the oceans. This current report aims to provide to economic actors, policy makers and the public at large a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge of the effects of plastics on marine environments, organisms and ecosystems. The risks related to plastic pollution require immediate international attention; with the present report, the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme aims to not only provide reliable and up-to-date information but also build a coalition to raise awareness and identify policy actions.