The social costs of marine litter along European coasts

Socioeconomic Consequences of Plastic Pollution Undermine Coastal Livelihoods

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Researchers reviewed how plastic pollution in coastal environments undermines the livelihoods of fishing communities worldwide, finding that microplastic contamination of seafood and declining catch quality threaten both economic stability and food security for millions of people.

Socioeconomic Impacts of Microplastics Pollution in the Marine Environment

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Researchers assess the socioeconomic consequences of marine microplastic pollution, examining how contamination affects fisheries, tourism, food safety, and coastal communities, and evaluating the economic costs borne by industries and governments as microplastics disrupt marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.

Exploring public views on marine litter in Europe: Perceived causes, consequences and pathways to change

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A survey of over 1,100 people across 16 European countries found that almost everyone (95%) sees litter when they visit the coast, and most people blame it on how products and packaging are designed, not just careless behavior or missing trash cans. Interestingly, people trust scientists and environmental groups most to fix the problem, even though they see companies and government as more responsible for causing it. This matters because marine litter breaks down into microplastics that end up in seafood and drinking water, so understanding what shapes public attitudes can help build support for policies that stop plastic pollution before it reaches our oceans and our plates.

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

Source, fate, and effects of plastic litters in the European land-sea continuum