We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Liability Framework for Microplastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems
Summary
This legal analysis argues that current international treaties — including UNCLOS, MARPOL, and the Basel Convention — are too fragmented and vague to hold anyone accountable for microplastic pollution in the ocean. The authors identify critical gaps around attribution, lifecycle governance, and monitoring standards, and call for a binding global liability framework built around extended producer responsibility and uniform scientific standards. Without clearer rules about who is responsible and what they must do, widespread marine microplastic contamination is likely to continue unchecked.
Microplastic pollution has become a serious environmental problem in the world that has an impact on the marine ecosystems. Although global tools like United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), MARPOL and Basel Convention are in place, the existing regulatory environment is still distinct and insufficient to handle the diffuse and transboundary character of micro-plastic pollution. The paper is a critical analysis of the weaknesses of the current international legal frameworks concerning the creation of clear liability mechanisms on marine microplastic pollution. It discusses the issue of attribution, implementation loopholes, the lifecycle governance, and why there is a need to have uniform monitoring standards. The paper also looks at new trends, such as the global plastics treaty that has been proposed under UNEA, and contends that a stronger liability regime premised on lifecycle management, extended producer responsibility, regional collaboration, and the imposition of material obligatory measures is needed. To enforce the environmental rule of law and long-term protection of marine biodiversity, it is necessary to have a coherent and science-based liability framework.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Liability Framework for Microplastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems
This legal analysis argues that current international treaties — including UNCLOS, MARPOL, and the Basel Convention — are too fragmented and vague to hold anyone accountable for microplastic pollution in the ocean. The authors identify critical gaps around attribution, lifecycle governance, and monitoring standards, and call for a binding global liability framework built around extended producer responsibility and uniform scientific standards. Without clearer rules about who is responsible and what they must do, widespread marine microplastic contamination is likely to continue unchecked.
Dilemma in global governance of marine plastic pollution and regulatory coordination: convention reconstruction via integrated international law
This legal analysis examined fragmented international governance of marine plastic pollution across 17 instruments including UNCLOS, MARPOL, and regional conventions, identifying a gap between soft law priorities and binding enforcement for microplastics. The authors proposed an integrated umbrella convention framework with specialized protocols to align the Global Plastic Treaty with existing agreements and establish enforceable plastic production caps.
Legal Analysis of the Prevention of Marine Microplastics Pollution
This legal analysis examines international law frameworks governing marine microplastic pollution prevention, identifying obstacles including enforcement difficulties, weak jurisdictional clarity, and insufficient coordination among existing treaty regimes, while noting growing attention to microplastics in UN General Assembly resolutions and calling for stronger multilateral legal mechanisms.
International Law and Regulation of Marine Microplastics: Current Situation, Problems, and Development
This study evaluated the current international legal framework governing marine microplastic pollution and identified significant gaps in regulatory coverage. Researchers found that existing global and regional legal instruments lack the specificity and enforcement mechanisms needed to effectively address microplastic contamination. The study offers recommendations for strengthening international law to better regulate the sources and impacts of marine microplastic pollution.
An International Legal Framework for Marine Plastics Pollution
This legal analysis reviews the current international framework for regulating marine plastics and identifies significant gaps and inconsistencies across treaties and agreements. The chapter argues that stronger, more unified global legal instruments are needed to effectively reduce plastic pollution in the world's oceans.