A.5.1 Prevent inputs of microplastics from selected land-based sources in the marine environment
Action Theme: Theme A: Actions to reduce land-based sources of marine litter
Action number: A.5.1
Action Title: Prevent inputs of microplastics from selected land-based sources in the marine environment
Lead Party(ies): Germany with support from Netherlands and Seas At Risk
Image: ©Shutterstock
What is the issue?
Microplastics come from multiple land-based sources and have significant impacts on the marine environment. There are several envisaged EU initiatives to prevent and reduce the release of primary and secondary microplastics in the marine environment, but there may still be gaps that need to be addressed.
What has OSPAR done?
Land-based sources of microplastics will be assessed in terms of whether they are effectively addressed by current legislation, and to what extent they contribute to plastic pollution in the OSPAR marine environment. Based on the retrieved information, OSPAR will identify solutions and carry out activities to prevent and reduce releases of microplastics in order to support the development of a strong legislative framework addressing effectively all relevant sources.
OSPAR action on land based sources of microplastics will complement current EU initiatives and identify emerging issues with the aim to reach a comprehensive and strong regional legislative framework.
The work developed under this action will also contribute to the consultation and legislative process within REACH, the upcoming proposal on unintentionally released microplastics and any other relevant EU initiatives.
Final outputs and published reports
A number of outputs are planned to build the evidence base and where appropriate to develop an OSPAR response.
