More than 300 scientists, policymakers and industry representatives will meet in Iceland this October to discuss new approaches to tackling marine plastic pollution, one of the most significant environmental challenges affecting oceans worldwide.
The Third International Symposium on Marine Plastic Pollution will take place at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík from 20–22 October, bringing together experts to examine the latest scientific research, policy developments and practical solutions aimed at reducing plastic pollution in marine environments.
The event comes as plastic pollution continues to spread throughout the world’s oceans, with microplastics now detected from surface waters to the seabed and increasingly found in marine organisms and the wider food chain.
Growing global concern over marine plastic pollution
Marine plastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge, affecting coastal waters, deep-sea ecosystems and some of the planet’s most remote regions.
Researchers have identified plastic pollution in both Arctic and Antarctic waters, while growing evidence suggests that microplastics are accumulating throughout marine ecosystems and entering food chains.
These findings have increased calls for greater international cooperation to reduce plastic waste entering the marine environment and improve understanding of its long-term ecological impacts.
Bringing together international expertise
The symposium is expected to attract more than 300 delegates representing governments, research organisations, industry and environmental bodies.
Discussions will focus on advancing scientific understanding, strengthening international policy and identifying practical solutions to reduce marine plastic pollution.
The event is organised by the Government of Iceland in partnership with a number of international organisations working to improve ocean sustainability and marine environmental protection.
Collaboration across science and policy
International partners supporting the symposium include government departments from South Africa, Brazil and Morocco, alongside organisations including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
By bringing together expertise from across research, government and industry, organisers hope the event will help strengthen international collaboration and accelerate action to protect marine ecosystems from plastic pollution.
Supporting healthier oceans
Reducing marine plastic pollution is increasingly recognised as an important component of protecting water quality, biodiversity and the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.
The Third International Symposium on Marine Plastic Pollution will provide a forum for sharing knowledge, discussing emerging research and exploring collaborative approaches to one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world’s oceans.
For more information and registration, visit www.atlanticplastics.is.
