In Response: Science for solutions to marine plastics: A governmental perspective

摘要

Environmental contamination with plastic particles has been documented by scientific literature since the 1970s . Four decades later, the scientific community is still grappling with the issue of plastics in the environment. Current interest has focused on coastal and marine waters as the eventual receiving environment for plastic and microplastic particles. Plastic material does not belong in the marine environment. This concept resonates with everyone-industry, academics, nongovernmental organizations, governments, and the public. Floating plastic is a reminder of human-caused environmental pollution. It threatens marine habitats and organisms and can be an eyesore. While most people agree that plastic should not be in the water, the solution for how to prevent its presence is not straightforward.