Marine plastic pollution governance: the role and challenges of international law

Abstract Marine plastic debris poses a serious threat to the global marine ecosystem and has become a pressing international concern. Given the connectivity and mobility of the oceans, the fragmented international governance further underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach. To address this fragmentation, we review the evolution of international legal frameworks for marine plastic pollution, identify prevailing challenges, and propose concrete pathways for establishing a life-cycle-based international legal regime.