Plastic litter is estimated to be a major contributor to marine pollution affecting the marine environment world over. Various studies estimate that a significant portion of the marine plastic litter is generated on land and finds its way into the oceans and water bodies due to mismanagement. The governments of India and Norway recognize the importance of blue economy and through the India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative, draws a focus on the increasing marine plastic pollution and measures to combat marine plastic litter. There is a lack of proper data on the sources and extent of marine plastic litter in the country and often a lack of coordination between various institutions working on marine plastic litter have been cited as an immediate impediment to streamlining the measures being carried out. Keeping this in view, UNEP has undertaken a report on the status of research capacities and information systems on marine plastic litter in India. Through a systematic literature review and stakeholder interviews, this report presents the status of data and research, and the capacities of research institutions on marine plastic litter in India.
The literature review was carried out to assess the availability of data on marine litter in four different fates, as recognized under the SDG Target 14.1. Research institutions were also surveyed and studied to understand their geographical presence, focus research areas and engagement, and their capacity to conduct research on marine litter.
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