Mapping marine debris risk using expert elicitation, empirical data, and spatial modelling

Sources and pathways for marine litter: Bottom up approach starting from local case-studies for the four European regional seas

From Land to Sea: Model for the Documentation of Land-Sourced Plastic Litter

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A systematic model was developed to document and quantify land-sourced plastic litter pathways from point of disposal to ocean entry, providing a structured framework for tracking how improperly discarded plastic on land ultimately contributes to marine microplastic pollution. Better documentation of land-to-sea transport routes is essential for targeting waste management interventions at the highest-impact points in the plastic pollution pipeline.

Marine litter assessment using remote sensing techniques – a review

Assessing marine litter in a highly polluted area in the Mediterranean: A multi-perspective approach in the Saronikos Gulf, Greece

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Researchers found that beaches and waters in Greece's Saronikos Gulf are heavily polluted with trash, with plastic, especially tiny foam fragments and cigarette butts, making up most of the litter. This matters because as plastic breaks down into smaller pieces in the ocean, it can enter the food chain (including seafood we eat) and contribute to the growing concern over microplastics in our diets and bodies. The study highlights how coastal pollution is worse close to shore and shifts with seasons, giving policymakers concrete data to target cleanup efforts where they'll have the most impact.

Stakeholder perceptions of marine plastic waste management in the United Kingdom