Ocean Dumping, Marine Debris & Microplastics Extraction Team

Aquatic Systems, Drinking Water & Watershed Protection

Unit Mandate

Mission & Operational Scope

Monitors and combats ocean dumping, marine debris accumulation, and microplastic pollution across coastal and open-ocean environments, coordinating extraction operations and advocating for upstream plastic reduction policies.

Doctrine

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) · UNEP Global Partnership on Marine Litter

Core Capabilities

Operational Capabilities

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Marine debris density survey using trawl, visual transect, and remote sensing

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Microplastic sampling and characterization (size, polymer type, abundance)

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Ocean dumping permit review and compliance monitoring under MPRSA

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Beach and coastal cleanup coordination and debris composition analysis

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Plastic pollution source attribution and river-to-ocean transport modeling

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International marine litter policy advocacy (UNEA plastics treaty)

Return to

← Environmental Studies Directorate

Division II

Aquatic Systems, Drinking Water & Watershed Protection