The GESAMP Working Group on plastics and microplastics in the Ocean (WG40) will meet at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK from 23 to 25 October 2018 for the editing and finalization of the WG 40 report on 'Guidelines for harmonised monitoring and assessment of plastic litter and microplastics in the ocean'.
This exercise follows an initial review by regional organizations and FAO and incorporation of corrections and additions into separate chapters by the chapeter leads. A final complete draft manuscript will be ready for review by GESAMP members as well as a detailed set of actions for finalisation of graphics and layout. The timely production of the report is an essential feature of the work programme which received endorsement by the 45th session of GESAMP in Rome, 17-21 September 2018. The report is expected to contribute through its utilization widely by the UNEA Open-ended ad hoc Expert Group o marine litter, Regional Seas and RFMOs and the EAF Nansen project.