[en] Marine littering is a global challenge and a significant threat to a sustainable planet, requiring comprehensive and effective mechanisms to address it in a comprehensive manner. This study reports on a bibliometric analysis that has identified the extent to which the topic has been explored in the international literature, by focusing on geographical scope, the emphasis on (micro)plastic litter and on policy measures. Additionally, as a complement to the assessment of the recent literature on marine plastic litter, this study reviews some case studies, identifying some trends on how to cope with this problem. The findings underscore the imperative for heightened research efforts in the context of marine littering. The literature reveals that unsustainable practices, the absence of robust policies and inadequate enforcement substantially contribute to the prevalence of marine plastic litter. Consequently, urgent action is essential, demanding the implementation of effective policies and frameworks. Encouraging nations to transition towards marine sustainability, particularly in terms of prevention and environmental awareness, is of paramount importance. To pave the way for a cleaner ocean for future generations, this study not only highlights the root causes but also offers suggested solutions. These solutions serve as valuable insights for researchers, innovators and policymakers worldwide, charting a course towards a more sustainable and litter-free marine environment.
Precision for document type :
Review article
Disciplines :
Agriculture & agronomy
Author, co-author :
Leal Filho, Walter; International Climate Change Information and Research Programme, Research and Transfer Centre 'Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management', Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany ; Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Barbir, Jelena; Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
May, Julia; International Climate Change Information and Research Programme, Research and Transfer Centre 'Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management', Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany
May, Marta; International Climate Change Information and Research Programme, Research and Transfer Centre 'Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management', Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Swart, Julia ; Utrecht School of Economics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Yang, Peter; Great Lake Energy Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta ; UFP Energy, Research, Innovation and Development Unit (FP-I3ID), University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Porto, Portugal ; Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), University of Coimbra, Edifício do Patronato, Coimbra, Portugal
Aina, Yusuf A ; Department of Geomatics Engineering Technology, Yanbu Industrial College, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
Bettencourt, Sara; Center for Global Studies (CEG), Department of Science and Technology, Portuguese Distance Learning University (UAb), Lisbon, Portugal ; Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE), School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal ; MARE, Aquatic Research Network (ARNET), Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Madeira, Portugal ; Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Madeira, Madeira, Portugal
Charvet, Patricia ; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sistemática, Uso e Conservação da Biodiversidade (PPGSis), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil ; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Ambiental (PPGEA), Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
Azadi, Hossein ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Modélisation et développement
Language :
English
Title :
Towards more sustainable oceans: A review of the pressing challenges posed by marine plastic litter.
Publication date :
13 February 2025
Journal title :
Waste Management and Research: the Journal of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association
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