1. Eliminating Microplastic Pollution: OSPAR developments on Marine Litter
Dr Darius Campbell
Executive Secretary
OSPAR Commission
Photo: F.Kirckhof

2. OSPAR Commission OSPAR Maritime Area and Regions:
16 Contracting Parties
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Luxembourg
The Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
The United Kingdom
European Union
OSPAR Maritime Area and Regions:
Region I: Arctic Waters
Region II: Greater North Sea
Region III: Celtic Seas
Region IV: Bay of Biscay/Iberian Coast
Region V: Wider Atlantic

3. OSPAR Convention Main Objectives Prevent and eliminate pollution
protect the maritime area against the adverse effects of human activities
safeguard human health and conserve marine ecosystems
when practicable, restore marine areas
I’ve already mentioned the OSPAR’s high level objectives. OSPAR has dealt with reducing pollution and dumping very effectively over the years.
But since the late 90s, it also includes biodiversity protection which naturally covers a whole range of impacts of human activities.
OSPAR’s guiding principles are set out here; but its good to note that these principles are based on an understanding of continued use of the marine environment and its resources, an echo of which I see in your biosphere Isle of Man approach.

4. We note that quantities of litter in many areas of the North-East Atlantic are unacceptable…
we will continue to develop reduction measures and targets… resulting in a reduction in 2020

5. OSPAR Common Indicators
Beach Litter
Plastic particles in Fulmars stomachs
Seabed litter (IBTS)
In development:
Microplastics
Plastic particles in fish and turtles stomachs

7. OSPAR Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter
OSPAR common actions
OSPAR to raise to other competent bodies
National Actions
Sea-Based
Land-based

8. Key Action Areas Port Reception Facilities Improved waste management
Waste from Fishing industry
Fines for littering at sea
Fishing for Litter
Abandoned and lost Fishing gear
Floating Litter hotspots
Education and outreach
Improved waste management
Sewage/stormwater run-off
Reduction of single use items
Removal of micro plastics from products/zero pellet loss
Redesign of harmful products
Photo: Sandy Britain Sustainable Coastlines

9. Microplastics are certainly in the news

10. Closing the plastic value chain: measures for reducing microplastic emissions

11. Sources of Microplastics
Action 46: Evaluate all products and processes that include primary micro plastics…
… and act, if appropriate, to reduce their impact on the marine environment.

12. Sources of Microplastics
Action 46: Evaluate all products and processes that include primary micro plastics…
… and act, if appropriate, to reduce their impact on the marine environment.

13. Sources of Microplastics
Action 46: Evaluate all products and processes that include primary micro plastics…
…and act, if appropriate, to reduce their impact on the marine environment.

14. Microplastics in cosmetic products
Action 47: Engage and explore a voluntary agreement to phase out the use of micro plastics in personal care and cosmetic products.
Should a voluntary agreement prove not to be sufficient, prepare a proposal for OSPAR to call on the EU to introduce appropriate measures…

15. Sewage/Storm Water
Land based: Action 42: Investigate and promote the use of Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practice to develop sustainable and cost-effective solutions….

16. Aim to match decisions to geography and ecosystems
Another reason OSPAR remains relevant for our Contracting Parties is that its aims are to match decisions to the geography, ecosystems and the political priorities of our Contracting Parties.
Indeed having the OSPAR regions, such as the Celtic Seas, enhances that flexibility.
So whether a Contracting Party is in the EU or not or whether it is landlocked like Switzerland or Luxembourg, its influence on the ecosystem is a prime consideration within OSPAR

17. start disentangling the issues
OSPAR Background Documents;
trying to disentangle the issues
start disentangling the issues
Photo: S. de Wolf (EcoMare)

18. Next Steps
Photo: Camden Howett sustainable coastlines

19. Cost effective regulation?

20. Evolution?