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Microplastics in oceans
Summary
Researchers reviewed the state of microplastic pollution in European oceans following the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive, highlighting that while plastic litter monitoring and impacts on fish and seabirds are well documented, more research is urgently needed to understand the broader ecological effects of microplastics on marine ecosystems. The review calls for stronger policy action to address plastic pollution beyond surface-level monitoring.
Since the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) was adopted in 2008, EU member states must develop activities to achieve ‘‘good environmental status’’ (GES) in the European marine environment by the year 2020 (established in the Commission Decision 2010/477/EU of the 1st of September 2010). As well as many other tasks such as the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against oil pollution, the problem of marine litter, particularly plastics, has been recognized at the European level by a specific task group. Although monitoring programs of plastic pollution have long been implemented, and impacts on fish and seabirds have been reported, for example those induced by swallowing or entanglement in plastic items or ropes, more research is needed to support appropriate activities against other negative impacts of plastics on marine ecosystems.