Action is needed to combat marine litter: study

A study from NTNU highlights Norway's struggle with marine litter, particularly from discarded fishing ropes. Only a third of Norwegian ropes can be sustainably recycled, contributing to ghost fishing. Dr. Paritosh Deshpande emphasises the urgency of responsible rope management for a sustainable blue economy. The research ranks ropes by recyclability and proposes labelling schemes. With increasing plastic pollution in oceans, the study underscores the need for global action. Norway faces challenges in recycling due to varied rope types and lacks proper collection and recycling infrastructure. Extended producer responsibility may offer a solution, and the study urges Norway to lead the world in marine litter management. (Phys.org)