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ANNEX 1:
ZERO DRAFT
UNEA STUDY ON MARINE PLASTIC DEBRIS AND MICROPLASTICS
The “Study on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics” could be presented as an interactive e-book (with a pdf
for reading offline).
The Study will benefit from information generated by six components:
a.
A core study focusing on strengthening the evidence base (Revised GESAMP 1 WG 40 led);
b.
Study on impact of microplastics on fisheries and aquaculture (FAO/UNEP/IMO led – FAO is
considering options on how to manage this, including a subgroup to the GESAMP WG 40)
c.
Compilation of Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices;
d.
Modeling component (engaging wider modeling/oceanographic community);
e.
Socio-economic component (engaging researchers and universities to look at social aspects/welfare
impacts and economic effects)
f.
Regional components (in collaboration with the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans,
including small island developing states (SIDS))
The component for which a reconstituted GESAMP working group is proposed (A and B) will focus on
strengthening the evidence base concerning microplastics. For (C), (D) and (E) lead institutions have been
identified who will bring together the experts and policy makers. Information generated under (F) will be used
throughout the study in region specific sections.
PROPOSED STRUCTURE:
Sections
Acknowledgements (contributors, peer reviewers, etc.)
Comments
ED Foreword
Executive summary
Key messages and recommendations
1 Introduction
1.1 What is marine litter and microplastics?
1.2 Purpose and structure of this report
2
Marine litter: Identification of key sources for marine
plastic debris and microplastics
GESAMP component (a): Assess the main
sources and categories of plastics and
microplastics entering the ocean
2.1 The problem of marine plastic debris and microplastics –
what is known and why it is time to take action
2.2 Main sources – known and emerging (including regional
variations)
1
GESAMP is an advisory body consisting of specialized experts nominated by the Sponsoring Agencies (IMO, FAO,
UNESCO-IOC, UNIDO, WMO, IAEA, UN, UNEP, UNDP). Its principal task is to provide scientific advice concerning the
prevention, reduction and control of the degradation of the marine environment to the Sponsoring Agencies. Working
Group 40 - Sources, fate and effects of micro-plastics in the marine environment – a global assessment.
3 Where does it end up – modeling marine litter
movement, distribution and accumulation
3.1 Distribution – modelling (techniques, maps, gaps)
3.2 Accumulation (e.g. hot spots)
3.3 Monitoring
 Programmes (snap shot vs. long-term)
 Citizen science
 Opportunities (e.g. remote sensing, online databases:
modelling + observational data)
GESAMP + Modeling components
Approach: Identify probable ‘hotspots’ of
land- and sea-based sources for plastic and
microplastics, using a combination of targeted
modeling, knowledge of actual and potential
sources (e.g. coastal tourism, aquaculture,
fisheries, riverine inputs, urban inputs),
environmental and societal data. This can help
to inform the development of effective
measures in other regions.
A modeling workshop involving a wider group
of modelers will be convened to improve
current assessment methodologies (2nd quarter
2015).
Approach: to include coastal-open ocean
scaling, 3D circulation, varying particle
properties (e.g. size, density).
4
Impacts and costs of marine plastic debris and
microplastics – strengthening the evidence base
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Impacts on ecosystems
Impacts on fisheries and aquaculture
Economic impacts
Social impacts
Health
Marine plastic debris as vector
Uptake by biota
GESAMP + Socio-economic components
To assess the occurrence of microplastics in
commercial fish and shellfish species
To assess local, regional and global scales of
accumulation of plastics and accompanying
chemicals
(additives
and
absorbed
contaminants), including SIDS and regional
hotspots. Examples of ‘hot spots’, from
available evidence, include: the Bay of
Bengal, Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Mexico,
Japan Sea and other far eastern seas.
Approach: combined modeling and data
analysis
Initiate in 1st phase (by UNEA), complete in
2nd phase:
To assess the effects of nano-scale plastics on
marine organisms
Approach: Encourage the inclusion of
expertise on pharmacology (drug delivery
using polymers), mammalian toxicology,
nano-sciences and nano-engineering in future
assessments. Critically review laboratorybased experiments examining the behaviour
and potential effects of nano-plastics and
assess their relevance to the natural
environment. Improve sampling and detection
methods for nano-sized plastic particles,
particularly in biota.
2nd phase (Beyond UNEA-2):
To assess the risk of physical and chemical
effects of ingested microplastics on marine
organisms.
Approach: Compare information from
laboratory-based experiments of organismchemical
behaviour
with
field-based
observations. Include expertise on animal
behaviour and physiology for target species,
including important commercial species. Take
account of gut retention times and the
conditions inside the gut when assessing risk.
Include a consideration of particle size and
shape when assessing risk of damage.
2nd phase (Beyond UNEA-2):
To assess the significance of plastics and
microplastics as a vector for organisms,
facilitating the spread of non-indigenous
(alien) species (NIS).
Approach: Review the published evidence on
NIS introductions and potential vectors (e.g.
ship hull transfer, ballast water transfer), to
estimate the relative importance of plastics and
microplastics as a transport vector. Review
epidemiological evidence for the occurrence
of outbreaks of pathogenic disease associated
with NIS. Undertake a targeted risk
assessment based on existing data on NIS
introductions and disease outbreaks, and
utilise existing circulation models to identify
key transport routes for pathogenic organisms
and the conditions favourable for growth.
5
Most urgent actions to prevent and reduce marine
litter with a focus on marine plastic debris and
microplastics
Compilation of most urgent actions from
the six components
5.1 What is currently being done to address marine litter?
(table of relevant examples covering e.g. prevention,
legislation, voluntary practices, etc.)
5.2 Limitations of current measures to address marine litter /
microplastics problems (highlight main obstacles – regional /
thematic / stakeholder group focus)
5.3 Summary – what is needed? (e.g. most urgent research
gaps, new technologies, legislation, etc - specification of areas
especially in need of more research, including key impacts on
the environment and on human health;.)
6
Possible measures and best available technologies and
environmental practices: availability, use and
potential to prevent the accumulation and minimize
the level of microplastics (litter) in the marine
environment.
6.1 Risk assessment – how to identify priority areas for
BAT’s and BEP’s component summary
intervention?
6.2 What are BATs and BEPs?
6.3 Guidelines for choosing BATs and BEPs to prevent
marine litter
6.4 Lessons from the application of BATs and BEPs to
prevent and reduce marine litter
6.5 Steps in the process – from problem identification to
evaluating the options, choosing the BAT/BEP (package) and
implementation
7
Any other relevant priority areas identified in the
TBD after launch of GESAMP report
GESAMP assessment.
7.1 Perceptions and attitudes
8. Financing marine litter/microplastics – Economic
tools/market-based instruments: availability, use and
potential
Socioeconomic component
8.1 What are market -based instruments?
8.2 What other tools are available?
8.3 Guidelines for choosing market-based strategies to prevent
marine litter
8.4 Lessons from the application of MBIs to marine litter
8.5 Steps in the process – from problem identification to
evaluating the options, choosing the instrument (package)
and implementation
9. Conclusions and recommendations for different
stakeholders
10 Opportunities
Priority recommendations from the six
components
Could include emerging technologies,
collaborative platforms etc. to consider
when planning for future activities beyond
UNEA-2
11 Summary
References
Annexes
May include summaries of the various
components
N.B. The draft structure will be discussed with the Advisory Group once established. It will not be a negotiated
document; rather it will serve as an information document for UNEA-2.