Prevention of pollution from land-based sources is key. Eliminating coal combustion and banning all uses of mercury will reduce mercury pollution. Bans on single-use plastic and better management of plastic waste reduce plastic pollution. Bans on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have reduced pol- lution by PCBs and DDT. Control of industrial discharges, treatment of sewage, and reduced applica- tions of fertilizers have mitigated coastal pollution and are reducing frequency of HABs. National, regional and international marine pollution control programs that are adequately funded and backed by strong enforcement have been shown to be e ective. Robust monitoring is essential to track progress.

Further interventions that hold great promise include wide-scale transition to renewable fuels; transi- tion to a circular economy that creates little waste and focuses on equity rather than on endless growth; embracing the principles of green chemistry; and building scienti c capacity in all countries.
Designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will safeguard critical ecosystems, protect vulnerable sh stocks, and enhance human health and well-being. Creation of MPAs is an important manifestation of national and international commitment to protecting the health of the seas.

PS: Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) is a naturally occurring marine biotoxin that is produced by some species of microscopic algae. Shellfish eat these algae and can retain the toxin. People can become ill from eating shellfish contaminated with Paralytic Shellfish Poison. This biotoxin affects the nervous system and paralyzes muscles, thus the term "paralytic" shellfish poison. High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison can cause severe illness and death https://perma.cc/RKR5-GEYG

WWF calls for a global ban on ‘harmful and unnecessary’ single-use plastic items, such as vapes, cutlery and cosmetic microplastics, ahead of key UN plastic pollution treaty talks https://perma.cc/5GWN-AEMZ

While plastic is cheap and versatile, with countless uses across many industries, almost half of all plastic is used to create short-lived or single-use products that can spend hundreds of years degrading – and most of which are consumed in high and upper-middle income countries. Research shows that by 2015, 60% of all plastics ever produced had already reached their end of life and been discarded. Globally, less than 10% of plastic products are recycled https://perma.cc/GSZ5-U4B4