Microplastics in oceans

Since the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) was in 2008, EU member states must develop activities to ‘‘good environmental status’’ (GES) in the European marine by the year 2020 (established in the Commission 2010/477/EU of the 1st of September 2010). As well as other tasks such as the conservation of biodiversity and fight against oil pollution, the problem of marine litter, particularly, has been recognized at the European level by a specific group. Although monitoring programs of plastic pollution long been implemented, and impacts on fish and seabirds been reported, for example those induced by swallowing or in plastic items or ropes, more research is needed support appropriate activities against other negative impacts plastics on marine ecosystems.