Marine plastic pollution in Morocco: state of the knowledge on origin, occurrence, fate, and management

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2023-10, Vol.30 (49), p.107371-107389
• Main Authors: Mejjad, Nezha, Laissaoui, Abdelmourhit, Fekri, Ahmed, Hammoumi, Ouafa El
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Biodiversity; Blue economy; Circular economy; Coastal waters; Decision making; Earth and Environmental Science; Economic impact; Economics; Ecosystem services; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Field investigations; Field tests; Fisheries; Garbage collection; Marine ecosystems; Marine fish; Marine pollution; Marine systems; Microplastic Pollutants in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; Pollution; Project management; Risk assessment; Tourism; Waste management; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 1614-7499; 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26973-8

Plastic pollution presents a major challenge facing stakeholders and decision-making worldwide. Plastics in the ocean damage biodiversity and marine ecosystem services that the blue economy relies upon. The present work analyses and reviews the literature on plastic pollution and the background knowledge about marine plastic pollution in Morocco. The economy of Morocco depends mainly on marine activities, including fisheries, tourism, and maritime trade. These sectors were identified as the main in-situ sources of plastics entering Moroccan coastal waters. The analysis results showed that the increasing abundance of plastics in such marine systems causes substantial economic loss to blue economy activities. In contrast, the lack of data on the plastic waste quantity entering Moroccan water is a limiting factor for assessing plastic pollution. This highlights the need for a risk assessment and more field investigations to value the weight impacts of marine activities generators of plastics on biodiversity and the economy. In addition, implementing laws and rules forbidding the disposal of plastic waste (PW) in public spaces, mainly beaches, and streets, is urgently needed. Raising awareness of plastic waste management and prioritizing improved waste collection, sorting, and management would boost Morocco’s establishment and adoption of circular economy strategies. It is worth noting that while implementing the management projects and regulatory frameworks of plastic waste, considering their source and usage purpose is mandatory.