The Economics of Marine Plastic Pollution: What are the Benefits of International Cooperation

The three year study, which involves academics from the University of Stirling, University of Glasgow, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Clark University in America, is focusing on collecting data from eight countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

Researchers are mapping the spatial distribution and movement of marine plastic; calculate the costs of reducing both the stock and flows of plastic in and into the marine environment; develop a framework to determine the economic benefits of different levels of international cooperation in reducing plastic waste; and identify incentives that might encourage a joined-up approach.

PML’s work within the project will mainly focus on how plastic waste travels across the North Atlantic and what environmental impacts these plastics cause, particularly in relation to marine biodiversity. Computer simulations are being used to evaluate the flux of plastic between countries on either side of the Atlantic, whilst environmental economists quantifying the marine biodiversity impacts.