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Ocean Plastics and Marine Litter

  • Overview

An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste reach our oceans each year. While the majority is land-based waste, marine-based activities are still a significant contributory source of plastic litter.  

Joining the Ocean Plastics and Marine Litter Special Interest Group gives you an opportunity to participate in the SIG’s work reviewing common practices across marine sectors, creating targeted educational tools to improve understanding of the drivers for plastic generation and the environmental importance of litter to identify new solutions and best practices in tackling the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. 

The group’s work complements the IMarEST’s direct involvement in the issue. The Institute directly contributes to initiatives aimed at tackling ocean plastics through our work at the IMO and partnership in international projects to support a much-needed regional focus and capacity building efforts for plastic waste management.  

If you are interested in joining the group, sign into the MyIMarEST member portal and select the group from the list.

Pages from Plastics in Aquaculture Report.pdf.jpg
19 Jul 2023

Plastics in Aquaculture: Roundtable Report

Report
25 Mar 2021

Managing plastics in the yachting sector

SIG News

 

      

SIG officers

Mrs Elizabeth Hughes MIMarEST

Chair

Ms Stephanie Lavelle AMIMarEST

Chair

Upcoming events

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Free External
20 October 2025

Engineering on Tap

An event by the MarEST & RINA Western Joint Branch.

Branch event Bath
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External
21 October 2025

Surface Autonomy Testing & Challenges

A joint event by IMarEST's Eastern USA Branch, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), the Society of Marine Port Engineers (SMPE), and the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE).

Branch event New York
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Free External
21 October 2025

Safety Management Systems for Ships Using Ammonia as a Fuel

An event by the IMarEST & RINA Southern Joint Branch

Branch event Southampton
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External
23 October 2025

The Rough Field Past & Present

An event by IMarEST's Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Branch

Branch event Hull
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+44 (0) 20 7382 2600

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#05-01 Central Plaza
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+65 (0) 6472 0096

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