Innovation below the surface: Tackling ocean plastics with nature and tech

Understanding the threat

Plastic pollution has become a defining issue of our time, with approximately 75 to 199 million tons of plastic currently in our oceans.² These plastics fragment into microplastics, infiltrating marine food webs and impacting species from plankton to whales. Microplastics are now ubiquitous, found even in deep-sea trenches and remote polar regions. Alongside plastic, persistent chemicals like PFAS - “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation - contaminate marine ecosystems and bioaccumulate, posing significant risks to wildlife and human health.

At the same time, marine ecosystems vital for biodiversity and climate resilience are degrading. Coral reefs, which support marine life and coastal economies, are bleaching and dying due to warming waters and pollution. Mangrove forests and seagrass beds - natural carbon sinks and coastal protectors - are also disappearing under pressure from pollution, development, and climate stress.

Yet despite these sobering realities, promising solutions are surfacing across technology, restoration, and economic models.

Reinventing waste: The race to rethink plastics

Cutting-edge technologies are transforming how we manage plastic waste. Chemical recycling methods - such as pyrolysis and enzyme-driven processes - can now target plastics previously considered non-recyclable, opening the door to a closed-loop system.³ Biotechnology companies are even developing enzymes that can break down PET plastics into reusable components within days, though these solutions are still maturing at the commercial scale.

Innovation in materials is also gaining ground. Packaging made from seaweed, algae, and agricultural waste is beginning to replace conventional plastic. These biodegradable alternatives offer a promising pathway to reduce ocean-bound plastic pollution.³

Powered by nature: Blue carbon and ocean farming

Nature-based solutions are essential to restoring ocean health and mitigating climate change. Around the world, mangrove restoration projects - from Southeast Asia to Africa - are generating major environmental and economic returns.⁴ These ecosystems support biodiversity, safeguard coastlines from storms, and capture carbon far more efficiently than many land-based forests.

Seagrass restoration, while more complex, is showing promise through new approaches like seed dispersal and underwater drone planting.⁴ These restored meadows not only enhance marine biodiversity and resilience but also create economic opportunities through eco-tourism and sustainable fishing.

Seaweed farming adds yet another layer of promise. Cultivated at scale in countries like China, Indonesia, and Norway, seaweed absorbs carbon, reduces ocean acidification, and cleans up coastal waters.⁵ It also provides sustainable food and bioproducts, making it a rare win-win for economy and environment. However, its long-term ecological impacts and expansion potential still require careful evaluation. ⁵

Smart seas: Technology’s role in cleaning up the ocean

Digital and robotic innovation is offering powerful new tools for monitoring and cleaning marine environments. Satellite imaging, autonomous drones, and AI-powered detection systems now provide real-time data on pollution levels and ecosystem health, enabling more targeted conservation strategies.

In parallel, new clean-up technologies are emerging. Solar-powered barges intercept plastic in rivers before it reaches the ocean, while robotic systems are being tested to remove debris from sensitive marine areas.³ These tools show real promise but require further development and scale-up to make a lasting impact.

Investing in a sustainable ocean economy

Transitioning to a sustainable ocean economy requires more than good intentions - it demands bold innovation, science-based management, and investment in scalable solutions. Encouragingly, partnerships among governments, businesses, and research institutions are already driving real progress and showcasing what global collaboration can achieve.⁶

By building on this momentum and fostering inclusive cooperation, we can chart a path that rejuvenates marine ecosystems and supports the communities that rely on them. With sustained commitment to these evolving strategies, we can help rebuild the ocean’s resilience and secure a productive and vibrant future - supporting global well-being for generations to come. The future of our ocean is not predetermined, but it will be shaped by the choices we make today.

* IPCC, 2019: Summary for Policymakers. In: IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, M. Tignor, E. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Nicolai, A. Okem, J. Petzold, B. Rama, N.M. Weyer (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 3–35
² UNEP, 2021: From Pollution to Solution
³ CleanHub, 2024: Top 7 Solutions to Plastic Pollution
⁴ UNESCO, 2024: State of the Ocean Report
⁵ UNEP, 2023: Seaweed Farming
⁶ UNDP, 2024: Combatting Plastic Pollution for Sustainable Development