The marine plastic pollution is increasingly significant and ubiquitous, with plastic debris found on even the most remote coastal areas and in almost every marine habitat. Microplastics are those less than 5 mm in diameter, considered as the PM 2.5 in the marine ecosystem. Research shows that plastic pollution, which is gradually becoming a global threat, may impact biodiversity, ecosystem services, and food security. Nowadays, considerable concerns about plastic debris have already extended from specific scientific research to substantial pollution control and global governance. The pollution caused by plastic debris has become an emerging political issue interwoven with environmental and social economic issues. The paper introduces existing governance mechanisms addressing marine plastic debris at global, regional, national and local level. The soft law dominates in global efforts to address marine debris, while there is a long way to go for multilateral environmental agreements. The need for a legally binding international agreement specifically addressing marine plastic debris is discussed, and challenges confronted by China in preventing and controlling marine plastic pollution are analyzed.

plastic pollution    marine microplastics    global governance    international agreement