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Ocean Plastic Removal

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Ocean Plastic Removal Strategies and Solutions


Ocean plastic removal is working at scale, with proven technologies removing millions of kilograms annually – but prevention remains 10–100 times more cost-effective than cleanup.[1] The most successful approach combines source prevention through improved waste management, river interception targeting the 1,000 rivers contributing approximately 80% of ocean plastic,[2] and targeted ocean cleanup in accumulation zones. Current removal capacity across all programs reaches tens of thousands of tonnes annually, while 8–14 million tonnes enter oceans each year.[3] Achieving 90% reduction by 2040 requires both dramatic source reduction and scaling cleanup technology 50–100 times current capacity. The investment needed – estimated at hundreds of billions over 15 years – can be economically justified given that plastic pollution causes $13+ billion in annual marine ecosystem damage alone.[4]

The Problem

Approximately 11 million metric tonnes of plastic enter oceans annually, joining an estimated 75–199 million tonnes already in marine environments.[5] At current rates, ocean plastic could nearly triple by 2040, affecting 800+ marine species and contaminating seafood supplies.[6]

Possible Solutions

Ocean Surface Cleanup Systems

Large-scale floating barrier systems can remove plastic from ocean accumulation zones. A leading nonprofit organization has developed System 03, which uses a 2.25-kilometer U-shaped floating barrier towed through concentrated plastic areas, with AI optimization increasing collection efficiency.[7] The same group reports having removed over 20 million kilograms total across rivers and oceans,[8] with approximately 500,000 kilograms from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch specifically.[9] Independent environmental observers and peer-reviewed publications verify effectiveness, though researchers note concerns about potential impacts to neuston ecosystems that require continued monitoring.

Concept rationale: Targeting accumulation zones where plastic concentrates provides cost-effective removal compared to dispersed open ocean areas. Ocean gyres create natural collection points where intervention delivers maximum impact per unit effort.

Possible path to achieve: Deployment of 10 large-scale systems across five major ocean gyres could achieve significant reduction in accumulated plastic over 5–10 years. This requires sustained funding (estimated hundreds of millions), continued technological refinement based on environmental monitoring data, and international cooperation for operations in international waters. Systems can evolve toward greater autonomy and lower per-kilogram collection costs through iterative design improvements.

River Interception Technologies

Since approximately 1,000 rivers contribute 80% of riverine plastic entering oceans,[10] interception at rivers prevents costly ocean cleanup. Automated river barriers can capture plastic before dispersion into oceanic gyres. One system in Guatemala's Rio Las Vacas has removed millions of kilograms,[11] demonstrating that single strategic placements can intercept substantial flows.

Bubble barrier technology offers another approach: diagonal bubble curtains allow fish and boats to pass while capturing plastics from 1mm to 1m size. Pilot demonstrations have shown collection efficiency approaching 86% for floating test materials under controlled conditions,[12] though real-world river performance varies with flow conditions and debris composition. One installation prevents thousands of plastic pieces monthly from reaching the sea.

Concept rationale: River interception provides 10–100 times better cost-effectiveness than open ocean cleanup while preventing plastic dispersion into environments where collection becomes exponentially more difficult.

Possible path to achieve: Deployment of 1,000 interceptor systems on the highest-contributing rivers represents a feasible target. At current costs of $100,000–500,000 per system depending on river size, total investment reaches $100–500 million – far less than ocean cleanup programs while preventing millions of tonnes from entering oceans. This requires coordination with local governments, community engagement for system maintenance, and funding mechanisms through international development banks or climate finance instruments. River mapping and flow modeling can optimize placement for maximum interception efficiency.

Coastal and Harbor Cleanup

Systematic coastal collection engages communities directly while preventing beach plastic from re-entering oceans. The International Coastal Cleanup has mobilized over 17 million volunteers across 155 countries since 1986, removing more than 350 million pounds cumulatively as of 2024.[13] Data collected drives policy changes, with cleanup findings influencing regulations in multiple jurisdictions.

Automated harbor systems provide 24/7 collection in marinas and ports. Seabin technology – floating bins that filter water continuously – can collect substantial amounts annually. Each unit filters approximately 1.3 million liters daily.[14] However, independent research has identified bycatch concerns: one study found approximately 1 marine organism captured per 3.6 pieces of litter, with 50–60% mortality rates, and lower collection efficiency compared to manual cleanup methods in some contexts.[15] This highlights the importance of environmental impact assessment for any cleanup technology, ensuring net benefit exceeds harm. Modern systems can incorporate design improvements minimizing wildlife interactions while maintaining collection effectiveness.

Concept rationale: Coastal zones serve as transition areas where land-based plastic enters marine environments. Interception here prevents transport to offshore areas while enabling community participation that builds awareness and drives behavioral change.

Possible path to achieve: Scaling to all major ports globally could require approximately 10,000 automated units representing tens of millions in capital investment, with minimal ongoing operating costs beyond maintenance. Volunteer cleanup programs can expand through partnerships with schools, environmental organizations, and municipal governments. Standardized data collection protocols (like the Clean Swell app) enable citizen science contributions that inform policy. Integration of cleanup programs with educational initiatives creates sustainable community engagement.

Microplastic Capture at Source

Since washing synthetic clothing releases hundreds of thousands of microfibers per load, source filtration prevents downstream problems. Advanced washing machine filters can capture over 98% of microfibers before they enter wastewater.[16] Membrane bioreactor systems in wastewater treatment achieve approximately 99% removal efficiency for microplastics. Since textiles contribute an estimated 35% of primary microplastics,[17] source capture addresses a major pathway.

Regulatory initiatives in various jurisdictions are advancing requirements for microfiber filtration, though implementation timelines and specific standards vary by region. Universal adoption of filters in new washing machines could eliminate a major microplastic pathway within appliance replacement cycles.

Concept rationale: Preventing microplastic release at source avoids the most challenging cleanup scenario, as sub-millimeter particles become effectively impossible to remove from marine environments once dispersed.

Possible path to achieve: Mandatory filter requirements in appliances (estimated cost $25–150 per unit) represent modest consumer expense with substantial environmental benefit. Wastewater treatment plant upgrades with microplastic filtration require capital investment but integrate with broader infrastructure modernization programs. Extended Producer Responsibility legislation can shift costs to manufacturers, incentivizing design changes that reduce microfiber shedding. Consumer awareness campaigns about washing practices (full loads, lower temperatures, shorter cycles) can reduce microfiber release even without technology changes.

Autonomous Cleanup Robotics

Coordinated robotic fleets represent emerging scalability potential. The EU-funded SeaClear2.0 project deploys coordinated systems – surface vessels, aerial drones, underwater observation robots, and collection robots with AI-powered debris discrimination – for operations in ports and shelf areas.[18] Successfully tested in both clear and extremely murky waters (visibility under a few centimeters), these systems operate continuously without human crews, potentially reducing operational costs substantially. Demonstrations show viability for harbor and coastal zone deployment, with ongoing development for deeper and more challenging environments.

Concept rationale: Automation enables continuous operation, reduces labor costs, and allows deployment in hazardous or remote areas inaccessible to human crews. AI discrimination prevents collection of organic matter and marine life while targeting debris.

Possible path to achieve: Transition from demonstration projects to commercial deployment requires continued technology refinement, cost reduction through manufacturing scale, and establishment of operational protocols. Integration with existing port infrastructure and waste management systems can accelerate adoption. International funding for coastal developing nations – where manual cleanup capacity may be limited – could deploy these systems where they deliver greatest impact.

Reducing Plastics at the Source: Substitution and System Shifts

Stopping ocean plastic at its origin requires more than cleanup – it demands redesign of products, packaging, and systems. Evidence from life-cycle assessments (LCAs) and policy pilots shows the most effective hierarchy is: reduce material use, reuse/refill where feasible, then replace with better materials only when the alternative performs better in the intended system and has a verified end-of-life route.[19][20]

Principles: Reduce, Reuse, Refill before Replace

  • Reduce – eliminate unnecessary formats (outer wraps, redundant inserts), lightweight responsibly, and standardize components to cut material use.
  • Reuse/Refill – returnable and refill models reduce impacts when systems meet trip counts and optimize backhauls and washing. A synthesis of 32 LCAs finds reusables are environmentally preferable in most cases when well designed and operated.[21]
  • Replace (smartly) – switch materials only with proof (via LCAs and local infrastructure checks) that the alternative performs better end-to-end; EU guidance cautions against assuming “biodegradable” equals “ocean-safe”.[22]

When to Substitute – and When Not To

  • Fibre-based formats (paper/card) – strong option for many dry goods and some liquids if designed for wide recyclability; use recognized protocols to avoid barrier combinations that defeat recovery.[23][24]
  • Glass – excellent in high-rotation, returnable loops; as single-use it can carry higher transport/production emissions than lightweight PET or cans.[25]
  • Metals (aluminium/steel) – high value in recycling; work best with modern deposit return systems achieving 85–95%+ take-back.[26]
  • Biobased/compostables – use only where there is proven capture to appropriate composting/processing; most do not degrade in the marine environment and can contaminate recycling if misrouted.[27]

System Shifts that Remove the Need for Single-Use Plastic

  • Deposit Return Systems (DRS) for beverage containers – mandate producer-run, convenience-centric DRS with clear scope and deposits that drive 90%+ returns; align with EPR to finance systems and publish performance data.[28][29]
  • City-wide reuse/refill programmes – standardized containers, shared washing hubs, digital deposits/QR IDs, and procurement rules for public venues. Independent modelling shows reusable systems can deliver climate benefits for most takeaway formats when logistics are optimized.[30]
  • Retail packaging reduction – eliminate unnecessary formats and set category reuse targets; recent EU lawmaking trends support curbs on single-use packaging in specific applications.[31]

Microfibres & Microplastics: Stop Them at the Source

  • Textiles – synthetic clothing is a major source of primary microplastics released to waterways; mitigation combines product design (less shedding), care guidance, in-line filtration, and WWTP upgrades.[32][33]
  • Appliance standards – France requires microfibre filters on all new washing machines from 1 January 2025 – a practical template for other jurisdictions.[34][35]

12–24 Month Action Plan (Governments & Companies)

  • Adopt or upgrade DRS to 90%+ collection; align with EPR so producers finance the system and performance data are public.[36]
  • Set quantified reuse/refill targets by category (e.g., takeaway food, beverages) and fund shared washing/logistics hubs; publish LCA-based trip thresholds per format.[37]
  • Implement procurement rules for public venues to default to reusables with back-of-house washing (schools, hospitals, events).[38]
  • Require washing-machine microfibre filters in new units; support WWTP pilots for microplastic capture and standardized monitoring.[39]
  • Publish design-for-recyclability lists and restrict hard-to-recycle laminates where practical substitutes exist; align fees with recyclability performance.[40]

What Not to Do

  • Don’t assume any paper/bioplastic swap is automatically better – weight, coatings, and transport can erase benefits; confirm with LCAs and local infrastructure.
  • Don’t label items “biodegradable” for marketing without accessible end-of-life pathways; most compostables don’t degrade in the ocean or home compost.[41]
  • Don’t build reuse systems without meeting trip counts and optimized logistics – otherwise impacts can exceed single-use benchmarks.[42]

Addressing Current Gaps

Microplastic removal at scale remains a significant challenge. Current systems excel at plastics larger than 5mm, but microplastics represent 94% of pieces in garbage patches despite being only 8% of mass. Scalable technology capturing sub-millimeter particles without harming plankton requires development, possibly through advanced membrane systems, magnetic separation scaled for ocean deployment, or enzyme-based degradation inspired by plastic-metabolizing bacteria.

Deep ocean plastic represents largely inaccessible pollution. Since significant plastic mass sinks below surface layers, comprehensive solutions require technology operating at depths of hundreds to thousands of meters. Current economic reality suggests that cleaning sunken plastic may never be cost-effective, making prevention even more critical when considering inaccessible pollution.

In-situ degradation technology could complement mechanical removal. Rather than collecting plastic, enzymatic or biological breakdown where it accumulates represents an alternative approach. Laboratory research has demonstrated enzyme systems that can depolymerize certain plastics to virgin-quality components, though scaling this for controlled ocean zones presents substantial technical challenges.

Integrated global monitoring would enable dynamic cleanup deployment. A comprehensive satellite network feeding real-time data to AI models that predict accumulation and direct cleanup fleets could dramatically improve efficiency. Current monitoring capabilities provide limited coverage; substantial expansion would optimize intervention efforts.

Circular economy infrastructure needs development. Collected ocean plastic currently sells for substantially less than virgin plastic, creating negative economic incentives. Technologies restoring ocean plastic to virgin quality, mobile recycling facilities on collection vessels, and mandatory minimum recycled content laws (such as EU targets for 65% by 2040) could transform ocean plastic from waste to resource. Some automotive manufacturers have begun incorporating recycled ocean plastics into vehicles, demonstrating emerging markets, though scale remains insufficient.[43]

Realistic Pathway to Significant Reduction

Achieving meaningful reduction requires parallel implementation across five tracks:

Source reduction provides the largest potential impact (approximately 50% of solution). International agreements like the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations aim to reduce plastic waste 80% within two decades through legally binding commitments. Extended Producer Responsibility laws – making manufacturers financially responsible for end-of-life impacts – have proven effective: jurisdictions with comprehensive EPR achieve substantially higher recycling rates than those without. Improved waste management in top contributing cities could prevent tens of thousands of tonnes annually from reaching waterways. Single-use plastic bans demonstrate effectiveness where implemented rigorously.

River interception offers highly cost-effective prevention (approximately 30% of solution). Deploying 1,000 interceptor systems on the highest-contributing rivers could intercept millions of tonnes before dispersion into oceanic gyres. Currently, only dozens of systems operate; reaching 1,000 requires substantial scale-up. At estimated costs, total investment represents hundreds of millions – far less than ocean cleanup while preventing plastic dispersion.

Coastal collection through systematic programs (approximately 15% of solution) includes harbor systems operating continuously with minimal oversight, automated beach cleaning, and sustained volunteer programs. Scaling to all major ports globally represents modest capital investment with minimal operating costs beyond maintenance.

Ocean cleanup addresses accumulated legacy pollution (approximately 5% of solution) through targeted removal from accumulation zones where plastic concentrates. Not cost-effective for dispersed open ocean cleanup away from accumulation zones due to low plastic density, but essential for addressing existing concentrated pollution and preventing large plastic breakdown into uncollectable microplastics.

Microplastic capture at source through mandatory appliance filters and wastewater treatment upgrades addresses a major pathway. Universal filter requirements could eliminate substantial microplastic release within normal appliance replacement cycles.

Investment requirements, estimated at hundreds of billions over 15 years, may sound substantial, but compare favorably to damage costs. Economic analyses suggest every dollar invested in prevention returns multiple dollars in avoided cleanup and damage costs. The challenge involves coordinated international funding mechanisms and political will rather than economic justification.

Success Stories with Measurable Results

Mumbai's Versova Beach transformation demonstrates cleanup impact: volunteers removed 10 million kilograms over three years (2015–2018), earning UN recognition.[44] The beach went from being buried under debris to supporting the return of nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles – direct ecological recovery linked to cleanup efforts.

California's data-driven policy success shows cleanup's secondary value. Since 1985, California Coastal Cleanup Day has mobilized 1.6+ million volunteers removing 26+ million pounds while creating comprehensive datasets.[45] This data directly influenced California's 2014 plastic bag ban and continues informing state legislation, demonstrating that systematic cleanup generates policy-changing evidence.

What You Can Do

Through Expertise

Professional skills can be applied strategically to ocean plastic solutions. Engineers can contribute by designing improved waste management systems, developing recycling technologies, enhancing river barrier designs, or supporting infrastructure development in areas with limited capacity through organizations connecting professionals with projects. Scientists can study microplastics impacts, conduct lifecycle analyses, research biodegradable materials, or partner with universities collaborating with cleanup organizations. Educators can integrate ocean plastic curriculum, lead student cleanup initiatives, and develop programs focused on solutions. Business professionals can implement corporate Extended Producer Responsibility programs, transition supply chains to sustainable packaging, or invest in circular economy ventures. Communications professionals can create awareness campaigns, document cleanup efforts, develop educational content, or manage nonprofit outreach. Legal and policy professionals can draft EPR legislation, advocate for international agreements, or provide nonprofit legal services.

Through Participation

Direct volunteer participation offers hands-on impact. Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup provides entry through their Clean Swell app – document debris during any beach visit or join the annual September global event mobilizing over one million volunteers annually.[46] Regional organizations operate year-round chapters providing regular opportunities. For intensive experiences, some organizations offer structured volunteer programs, though verifying environmental practices before joining international programs remains important.

Citizen science contributions multiply impact. Smartphone apps turn users into research tools – counting and categorizing floating plastic from bridges or boats. Data directly informs system deployment decisions. Multiple platforms create global databases influencing policy, with hundreds of thousands of users across numerous countries generating data that has changed packaging requirements and municipal ordinances.

Organizing community cleanups amplifies local impact. Successful events require advance planning: securing written permission from landowners several weeks ahead, choosing accessible locations, selecting appropriate timing (typically weekend mornings), creating risk assessments, and partnering with local waste management for disposal. Essential supplies include reusable collection bags, gloves, litter pickers, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, and water stations. Recruiting volunteers through social media, local organizations, schools, and community groups builds participation. Day-of coordination includes briefing volunteers on safety (avoiding hazardous materials), assigning sections, and demonstrating data collection protocols. Follow-up involves submitting data to tracking platforms, sharing results, sending thank-you communications with impact metrics, and scheduling future events. Starting with quarterly cleanups builds sustainable community engagement.

Through Support

Financial support delivers scalability when physical participation isn't possible. Top-rated organizations include:

Ocean Conservancy (4-star Charity Navigator rating) runs the world's largest volunteer ocean cleanup effort. Tax-deductible donations support International Coastal Cleanup infrastructure, policy advocacy, and scientific research.

The Ocean Cleanup (ANBI-certified Dutch Foundation with U.S. 501(c)3 status) operates river and ocean systems at significant scale. Donations fund system deployment and technology development, with monthly donors receiving detailed project updates and transparency reports.

The #TeamSeas partnership offers a straightforward model: $1 removes 1 pound through independent verification, split equally between ocean and river programs.[47]

Verifying charity transparency through rating platforms before donating ensures accountability. Checking if employers offer matching donations can double impact. Monthly subscriptions provide organizations with predictable revenue enabling long-term planning.

Individual consumption changes reduce personal contribution. Small shifts compound dramatically when adopted broadly. Highest-impact swaps include reusable shopping bags, metal water bottles, refusing plastic straws, reusable coffee mugs, cloth produce bags, and glass food storage containers. Smart shopping involves buying bulk foods with refillable containers, choosing aluminum cans over plastic bottles (infinitely recyclable), avoiding certain plastic types that are non-recyclable or toxic, shopping at farmers markets with minimal packaging, and buying concentrated products for home dilution.

Policy advocacy creates systemic change. Contacting state representatives about Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, supporting international treaty negotiations by contacting federal representatives, pressuring corporations about excessive packaging through direct contact and reviews mentioning sustainability, and local advocacy through city council meetings all contribute to systemic shifts. Requesting better recycling infrastructure, advocating for single-use plastic bans, and supporting funding for municipal composting programs generate community-level change.

FAQ

Can we realistically clean the entire ocean of plastic?

No, and the focus should be elsewhere. Comprehensive ocean cleanup would require resources beyond practical feasibility with current technology. The strategic approach targets accumulation zones where plastic concentrates while prioritizing prevention and river interception. Since significant plastic mass sinks beyond accessible depths, preventing new plastic from entering oceans proves 10–100 times more cost-effective than cleanup.[48]

Is ocean cleanup harmful to marine life?

Potentially, requiring careful design and monitoring. Early research found some systems catching marine organisms during operation. However, modern systems incorporate deterrents, maintain environmental observers on board, and publish environmental impact assessments. Research findings from studies like those on Seabin bycatch (showing approximately 1 organism per 3.6 litter pieces with 50–60% mortality)[49] demonstrate the importance of rigorous environmental monitoring. Proper cleanup technology must demonstrate net environmental benefit through independent assessment – a standard that should be universally required.

What happens to plastic after collection?

Approaches vary by organization. Some coordinate proper disposal and recycling through local waste management systems. Others partner with brands to upcycle collected plastic into products, such as automotive manufacturers incorporating recycled ocean plastic into vehicles. Some organizations maintain certified chain-of-custody tracking. The challenge involves contamination, degradation, and mixed composition making recycling difficult. Collected ocean plastic typically sells for substantially less than virgin plastic. Improving recycling technology to restore ocean plastic to virgin quality remains critical for economic sustainability.

Which is more important: ocean cleanup or prevention?

Prevention is 10–100 times more cost-effective and must be the primary focus. However, cleanup remains essential for three reasons: preventing ongoing wildlife harm from existing plastic, removing legacy pollution that persists for centuries, and preventing large plastics from fragmenting into uncollectable microplastics. The optimal strategy allocates approximately 90% of effort to prevention and interception, with 10% to strategic cleanup in accumulation zones.

Can individuals really make a difference?

Yes, through three mechanisms: direct reduction (if one million people eliminate single-use bottles, that prevents hundreds of millions of bottles annually), market signals (consumer choices influence corporate behavior), and policy pressure (constituent advocacy moves legislators). Historical examples show volunteer-collected data directly influencing regulations affecting millions of people. Collective individual action creates systemic change. Starting with several plastic swaps, joining quarterly cleanups, and contacting elected officials about Extended Producer Responsibility generates compound effects across populations.

Conclusion

Ocean plastic removal works – technologies exist, organizations operate at scale, and documented results prove effectiveness. But cleanup alone cannot solve the crisis. Current removal capacity measures tens of thousands of tonnes annually while millions enter oceans. The solution requires a portfolio approach prioritizing prevention through improved waste management, Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, and circular economy development; river interception at the 80% leverage point; and strategic ocean cleanup in accumulation zones. Individual actions matter: millions making incremental efforts generate more impact than a handful achieving perfection. Every beach cleanup prevents wildlife deaths, every reusable item refused reduces demand, and every policy advocate moves systems. The pathway to significant reduction by 2040 exists – it requires sustained investment, coordinated international action, and collective participation across individuals, organizations, and governments. The economic justification is clear; the technology is proven; the question is implementation at scale.

Organizations Working on This Issue

The Ocean Cleanup https://theoceancleanup.com

Founded 2013, Delft, Netherlands. Over 20 million kilograms removed across rivers and oceans since inception; approximately 500,000 kilograms from Great Pacific Garbage Patch specifically.[50] Operates System 03 floating barrier system and 20 river Interceptors in 9 countries. Published peer-reviewed research in Nature Scientific Reports quantifying garbage patch composition (1.8 trillion pieces, 79,000 metric tons).[51] Goal: 90% reduction of floating ocean plastic by 2040. Tax-deductible donations via U.S. 501(c)3. Publishes detailed annual reports and project updates.

How to help:

Ocean Conservancy https://oceanconservancy.org

Founded before 1986, Washington D.C. Hundreds of millions of pounds removed since 1986 through International Coastal Cleanup; over 17 million volunteers mobilized across 155 countries cumulatively.[52] Data used in peer-reviewed research and influenced multiple regulations including California plastic bag ban. Charity Navigator 4-star rating. Operates Clean Swell app for citizen science. Focus: volunteer mobilization, scientific research, policy advocacy.

How to help:

4Ocean https://www.4ocean.com

Founded 2017, Boca Raton, Florida. Over 18,000 tonnes (40+ million pounds) removed as of late 2024.[53] Operations in 12 locations across multiple countries. Professional full-time crews operating daily year-round. Certified B Corp and Public Benefit Corporation. Triple-verified by independent auditors. Business model: product sales fund cleanup. Carbon neutral operations.

How to help:

Plastic Bank https://plasticbank.com

Founded 2013, Canada. Over 160 million kilograms collected as of early 2025 across Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Cameroon.[54] Employs 57,000+ collection members in developing nations. Social enterprise model: plastic waste exchanged for currency/digital tokens via blockchain-secured platform, addressing both pollution and poverty. Prevents ocean-bound plastic at source in regions generating most plastic pollution.

How to help:

  • Corporate partnerships for offset programs
  • Support social impact model
  • Community programs

Global Ghost Gear Initiative https://ghostgear.org

Founded 2015, hosted by Ocean Conservancy. Over 1,200 tonnes of abandoned fishing gear removed since 2015 through coalition of 120+ member organizations and 18 governments.[55] Addresses fishing gear representing 46–70% of ocean macroplastics by weight. Multiple national programs have retrieved thousands of tonnes cumulatively. Focus: prevention programs with fishing industry plus retrieval operations. Ghost Gear Reporter App for tracking.

How to help:

  • Report ghost gear via app
  • Fishing industry partnerships
  • Policy advocacy for gear marking requirements

Seabin Project https://seabinproject.com

Founded 2014, Australia. Technology: floating bins filtering 1.3 million liters daily, collecting up to 1.4 tonnes waste annually per unit. Operates in 52 countries. Strength: data collection and microplastics research through Ocean Health Lab at Australian National Maritime Museum. Ongoing research addresses bycatch concerns through design improvements minimizing wildlife interactions while maintaining collection effectiveness.

How to help:

  • Marina partnerships
  • Data volunteer program
  • Support research initiativesTechnology deployment funding

References

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  34. ↑ Ministry for the Ecological Transition (France) (2020). "The anti-waste law in the daily lives of the French people" (press dossier). https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/en_DP%20PJL.pdf
  35. ↑ European Parliament (2020). "Plastic microfibre filters for new washing machines by 2025" (parliamentary question). https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-001371_EN.html
  36. ↑ Reloop North America (2023). "A Guide to Modern Deposit Return Systems: 10 Essential Practices". https://bottlebillreimagined.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Reloop-NA_A-Guide-to-Modern-DRS_10-Essential-Practices.pdf
  37. ↑ Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2019). "Reuse – Rethinking Packaging". https://content.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/m/4363f6da65122068/original/Reuse-Rethinking-packaging.pdf
  38. ↑ Zero Waste Europe, Reloop, TOMRA & Eunomia (2023). "Assessing the Climate Impact: Reusable systems vs. Single-Use Takeaway Packaging". https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/2023-09/Assessing-the-Climate-Impact-Reusable-systems-vs.-Single-Use-Takeaway-Packaging-v-2.2.pdf
  39. ↑ Ministry for the Ecological Transition (France) (2020). "The anti-waste law in the daily lives of the French people". https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/en_DP%20PJL.pdf
  40. ↑ 4evergreen Alliance (2025). "Fibre-based Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Protocol (v1)". https://4evergreenforum.eu/wp-content/uploads/4evergreen-Report2025-V7.pdf
  41. ↑ European Commission (2022). "Biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics". https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/biobased-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics_en
  42. ↑ Zero Waste Europe & Reloop (2020). "Reusable vs Single-Use Packaging – A Review of Environmental Impact (Executive Summary)". https://zerowasteeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/zwe_reloop_executive-summary_reusable-vs-single-use-packaging_-a-review-of-environmental-impact_en.pdf
  43. ↑ Kia Global Media Center (2023). "Kia EV9 Sustainability Features". https://www.kia.com/us/en/newsroom
  44. ↑ UN Environment Programme (2016). "Mumbai lawyer awarded for beach clean-up". https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/mumbai-lawyer-awarded-beach-clean
  45. ↑ California Coastal Commission (2024). "California Coastal Cleanup Day History". https://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/history.html
  46. ↑ Ocean Conservancy (2024). "International Coastal Cleanup". https://oceanconservancy.org/
  47. ↑ TeamSeas (2021). "About TeamSeas". https://teamseas.org/
  48. ↑ Beaumont, N. J., et al. (2019). "Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution: Policy Insights from Economics". Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 13(2). https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1093/reep/rez007
  49. ↑ Treilles, R., et al. (2022). "Floating waste collection in port and marina areas". Marine Pollution Bulletin, 185. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X22009614
  50. ↑ The Ocean Cleanup (2024). "Milestones". https://theoceancleanup.com/
  51. ↑ Lebreton, L., et al. (2018). "Evidence that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is rapidly accumulating plastic". Scientific Reports, 8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w
  52. ↑ Ocean Conservancy (2024). "Our Work". https://oceanconservancy.org/
  53. ↑ 4Ocean (2024). "Impact". https://www.4ocean.com/
  54. ↑ Plastic Bank (2025). "Impact Dashboard". https://plasticbank.com/
  55. ↑ Ocean Conservancy (2024). "Global Ghost Gear Initiative". https://oceanconservancy.org/work/biodiversity/global-ghost-gear-initiative/
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