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Are there gaps in our understanding of marine plastic pollution?
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This review examines knowledge gaps in understanding marine plastic pollution, assessing whether current scientific evidence is sufficient to guide policy responses. The authors identify areas where uncertainty remains high and where stronger evidence would help prioritize interventions.
The leakage of waste plastic into the environment, especially the marine environment, has become an issue of global concern. In response, governments have implemented various measures from plastic product bans 1 , requirements for greater producer responsibility and product design, to ambitious new recycling targets Given the emotive nature of this topic, scientific evidence is crucial to assess the magnitude of the threat posed by marine plastic; to inform public and private sector responses; and to monitor the effectiveness of these responses.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.