Reducing the impacts of plastic waste in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Lead Research Organisation: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Biosciences

Abstract

The presence of plastic leaking into the environment is a system failure of monumental proportion that threatens the marine ecosystem and causes physical and chemical contamination at a global scale. It is estimated that 12 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans each year and this has rapidly become a global concern. The economic damage of this plastic pollution amounts to around USD13 billion per annum due to degraded environments, loss of revenue from tourism, and costs of clean up and repair. This is a particular issue in the Eastern Pacific rim countries of Ecuador and Peru which host seas of great ecological, economic and conservation importance with high levels of endemic species, including fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, found nowhere else on earth. The health of this unique biodiversity is important to one of the world's key fishing areas and a growing tourism industry, supporting a variety of livelihoods and food security for the coastal people, many very poor. The total amount of plastic produced and used in Latin America represents 4% of the plastic produced globally. It has been estimated that 45% of this is inadequately managed, generating around 1 million tonnes of mismanaged plastic waste annually, and predicted to double by 2025 if no action is taken.

This challenge requires a regional scale approach that allows environmental, economic, technical and social disciplines to come together to build understanding of the many factors contributing to the problem, its impacts and how it can be solved. Over the last three years we have established an enthusiastic and engaged network across the region committed to designing and implementing solutions for lasting change in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Our network has strong relationships with Research Institutions, National Park managers and Environment Ministries in each country. Our vision is to reduce plastic leakage in the Eastern Pacific region, supporting development of a sustainable, circular economic system for plastics. We propose an integrated, multidisciplinary project with three core aims. We will establish the sources and drivers of plastic pollution including the mapping of waste flows across the region and life cycle assessments of materials used in key industries. Secondly, we will identify the key economic, ecological and health and wellbeing impacts of the current plastic pollution that pervades this region. Thirdly, we will implement and test interventions to mitigate and reduce plastic pollution and help progress the region to circular approaches to plastic.

As we are already working with stakeholders in the region, we have some co-designed interventions ready to test immediately. These innovations range from helping streamlining the monitoring of novel-technology based clean-up operations to trialling an innovative community-based scheme to recycle fishing nets. As part of an exciting region-wide educational campaign to develop targeted awareness-raising for inland and coastal schools and communities, students will be invited to design interventions to minimise urban plastic leakage. We will test the scalability and effectiveness of these ideas. The evaluation of these, in addition to data generated in Theme 1 and Theme 2 will support the design and testing of further social, environmental and technical innovations. To ensure the research achieves the maximum impact, the consortium partners include South American government agencies and departments, NGOs and business with extensive experience of engaging coastal communities in the region and equal partnerships between UK and South American universities to develop local research capacity through collaboration and training.

Publications

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Ita-Nagy D (2022) Prevalence of microplastics in the ocean in Latin America and the Caribbean in Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances

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Nazareth MC (2022) Key issues for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics governance. in Journal of environmental management

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Ortiz-Alvarez C (2022) Solid waste assessment in a coastal fishing community in Peru. in Marine pollution bulletin

 
Description we are mapping plastic pollution around the Galapagos archipelago and tracing its origins form the South American mainland
We are working across disciplines to create solutions to reduce plastics waste entering the Eastern Pacific using the circular economy as a model
Exploitation Route to create solutions to reduce plastics waste entering the Eastern Pacific using the circular economy as a model
Sectors Chemicals

Environment

 
Description contributed to Galapagos Marine Reserve environmental practise Contributed to discussions around the UN Global Plastics Action Treaty
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Environment
Impact Types Societal

Policy & public services

 
Description influence policy
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact expert advice
 
Title new methods for measuring emerging contaminants 
Description new methods for measuring emerging contaminants 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact new methods for measuring emerging contaminants 
 
Description collaboration with industry 
Organisation South West Water Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution collaboration with South West Water
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration as PI and CoI in new award funded by industry
Impact not yet started
Start Year 2023
 
Description outreach event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact media interviews
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description research talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact talk to industry: Pepsico
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description research talk 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact talk to GSK employees
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021