Liability Framework for Microplastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems

Microplastic pollution has become a serious environmental problem in the world that has an impact on the marine ecosystems. Although global tools like United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), MARPOL and Basel Convention are in place, the existing regulatory environment is still distinct and insufficient to handle the diffuse and transboundary character of micro-plastic pollution. The paper is a critical analysis of the weaknesses of the current international legal frameworks concerning the creation of clear liability mechanisms on marine microplastic pollution. It discusses the issue of attribution, implementation loopholes, the lifecycle governance, and why there is a need to have uniform monitoring standards. The paper also looks at new trends, such as the global plastics treaty that has been proposed under UNEA, and contends that a stronger liability regime premised on lifecycle management, extended producer responsibility, regional collaboration, and the imposition of material obligatory measures is needed. To enforce the environmental rule of law and long-term protection of marine biodiversity, it is necessary to have a coherent and science-based liability framework.