Plastic threat

The IMO has pledged to address the significant problem posed by plastics to the marine environment, with the adoption of an action plan to enhance existing regulations and introduce new supporting measures to reduce plastic litter from ships. Dumping plastics into the sea is already prohibited under regulations for the prevention of pollution by rubbish from ships in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Recognising that more needs to be done to address the environmental and health problems posed by marine plastic litter, IMO member states agreed actions to be completed by 2025, which relate to all ships, including fishing vessels. The action plan supports the IMO’s commitment to meeting the targets set in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 14 on the oceans.