Marine Debris in Asia: A Summary from 2001 to the 2020s

Marine Debris in Asia: A Summary from 2001 to the 2020s In the Asia-Pacific region, an estimated 8 to 11 million tons of plastic waste entered the ocean annually from 2001 through the 2020s, with 70% of this waste originating from the region. In particular, Jakarta Bay in Indonesia, Manila Bay in the Philippines, and the Yangtze River estuary in China have been affected, with the main components of the waste being PET bottles (35%), food packaging (25%), and plastic bags (20%). While Japan and ASEAN countries have set waste reduction targets and are promoting technological innovation and international cooperation, the economic burden remains a challenge—for example, Langkawi Island incurs more than $50 million in cleanup costs annually. Sustainable ocean management requires strengthened policies and regional cooperation.