GESAMP, together with the supporting UN Agencies, shares the growing concern about the widespread occurrence of marine litter, and its contribution to macro- and micro-plastic debris in the oceans. We are aware that there remain significant information gaps, despite an increase in research effort. We wish to contribute to an improved understanding of the potential impact of micro-plastics, and potential mitigation measures, by facilitating a meeting of representatives from industry, academia, NGOs, Agencies and other relevant sectors. We see this as building on recent initiatives; for example, by NOAA in the USA, and the Royal Society in the UK.

The overall objectives of the Workshop are:
i) to provide a synthesis of the current understanding of the sources, distribution, fate and impacts of micro-plastics in the oceans;
ii) and inform the development of future policy and regulatory mechanisms at a national, regional and international scale.

The Workshop will be relevant to researchers, policy makers, coastal and marine managers and industry. The outcomes and recommendations will be made available through the GESAMP website and will be reviewed at the annual meeting of GESAMP in 2011