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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The issue of marine plastic litter pollution is multifaceted, cross-sectoral, and ongoing in the
absence of appropriate management measures. This study analysed the issue of marine plastic litter
pollution in the context of the Descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Good
Environmental Status of the oceans and seas. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR)
framework was used to assess the causes, e ects, and management measures to changes in the marine
environment resulting from marine plastics pollution. We noted that less than 10 peer-reviewed
publications have applied the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to the issue of
marine plastics pollution. Some basic needs such as food security, movement of goods and services,
and shelter are also some of the major drivers of marine plastic pollution. The use of plastics is
linked to multiple economic sectors (fisheries, agriculture, transport, packaging, construction) and
other human activities. A significant amount of the resulting pressures came from the economic
sectors for packaging and construction. State changes occurred at the environmental (contamination
and bioaccumulation), ecosystem (ingestion of plastics, ghost fishing) and ecosystem service levels
(supply of sea food, salt and cultural benefits), with possible loss of jobs and income being some of
the observed impacts on human welfare. Responses as management measures, which are tailored to
meet each component of the DPSIR framework, were identified. These included policies, regulations,
technological advancement and behavioural change. The research acknowledges the issue of marine
plastics pollution as a global environmental problem and recommends a trans-disciplinary approach,
involving all types of stakeholders. Future research and analysis applying the DPSIR framework
will be useful to provide the information necessary for the e ective, adaptive management of litter
pollution by marine plastics.
Description
Keywords
Marine plastic litter Good Environmental Status DPSIR Economic sectors Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Citation
Publisher
MDPI