Plastic pollution has become a global environmental issue, reaching even the most pristine and remote wildernesses of our planet such as the Southern Ocean (SO). SO biodiversity and ecosystem functions are vulnerable to plastic pollution and detrimental impacts are expected on wildlife. Understanding the sources of plastics entering from within and outside the SO and quantifying the scale of the problem are necessary to minimize any environmental threat to SO biodiversity and ecosystem services. This Satellite activity aims to engage a conversation on plastic pollution in the SO within the broader perspective of the Global Ocean. Innovative solutions and mitigating actions at national and global levels to tackle the issue of plastic pollution in this region will been envisaged.
Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash