International treaties, national laws, and best legal practices for addressing plastic pollution in the oceans

This thesis examines plastic pollution in oceans through national laws, international treaties, and social dynamics. It analyzes cases from Australia, the United States, China, and Peru, highlighting measures such as single-use plastic bans, recycling improvements, and awareness campaigns. Key treaties like the Basel Convention and MARPOL are discussed, along with the UN’s draft Global Plastics Treaty. The study identifies disparities between developed and developing nations, emphasizing structural barriers and waste management inequalities. From a political anthropology perspective, it critiques how current solutions prioritize economic and technological approaches while overlooking social and cultural factors. Peru’s No quiero esto en mi ceviche campaign exemplifies the role of social mobilization in shaping environmental policies. The thesis concludes that tackling plastic pollution requires not only regulation but also structural changes in production and consumption, economic incentives, and international cooperation.