A Canadian policy framework to mitigate plastic marine pollution

Shauna Pettipas, Meagan Bernier, Tony R. Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

163 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Marine pollution from plastic debris is a global problem causing negative impacts in the marine environment. Plastic marine debris as a contaminant is increasing, especially in Canada. While the impacts of macroplastics are well known in the literature, there are relatively few policy studies related to mitigating microplastic toxicity in the environment. Despite overwhelming evidence of the threat of plastic in the marine environment, there remains inadequate or limited policies to address their mitigation, particularly microplastic debris. Existing policies for waste management, marine debris monitoring and awareness campaigns were evaluated from other jurisdictions. Policies and recommendations were developed for the Canadian context. Recommendations include improved practices for: (1) law and waste management strategies; (2) education, outreach and awareness; (3) source identification; and (4) increased monitoring and further research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)117-122
Number of pages6
JournalMarine Policy
Volume68
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Ltd.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Aquatic Science
  • General Environmental Science
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Law

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