The European Commission (EC) has launched a process to establish an EU-wide quantitative reduction headline target for marine litter, beginning with a consultation with stakeholders on potential actions to address marine litter.
25 September 2013: The European Commission (EC) has launched a process to establish an EU-wide quantitative reduction headline target for marine litter, beginning with a consultation with stakeholders on potential actions to address marine litter.
Marine litter threatens marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement. In addition, potentially toxic substances released by plastic waste may enter the food chain, affecting human health.
The target’s establishment is mandated in the 7th Environment Action Programme, which calls for it to be “supported by source-based measures and taking into account the marine strategies established by Member States.”
All EU citizens and organizations are invited to contribute to the consultation, which is underway from 25 September-18 December 2013. Contributions are specifically sought from the waste management, plastic producer/recycling, fisheries and shipping sectors. [Consultation Website] [Background Document]