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Research priorities on microplastics in marine and coastal environments: An Australian perspective to advance global action
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Researchers conducted a systematic review of microplastic research across Australian coastal environments and gathered expert stakeholder input to identify priority research directions. They found significant gaps in understanding microplastic sources, transport pathways, and biological impacts specific to Australian marine ecosystems. The study provides a framework of research priorities aimed at informing evidence-based policy and management strategies for microplastic pollution.
Plastic and microplastic contamination in the environment receive global attention, with calls for the synthesis of scientific evidence to inform actionable strategies and policy-relevant practices. We provide a systematic literature review on microplastic research across Australian coastal environments in water, sediment and biota, highlighting the main research foci and gaps in information. At the same time, we conducted surveys and workshops to gather expert opinions from multiple stakeholders (including researchers, industry, and government) to identify critical research directions to meet stakeholder needs across sectors. Through this consultation and engagement process, we created a platform for knowledge exchange and identified three major priorities to support evidence-based policy, regulation, and management. These include a need for (i) method harmonisation in microplastic assessments, (ii) information on the presence, sources, and pathways of plastic pollution, and (iii) advancing our understanding of the risk of harm to individuals and ecosystems.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.