Background

The threat of Plastic pollution to marine ecosystems and sustainable use of the ocean continues to grow steadily.  A healthy ocean is fundamental to sustaining life on our blue planet. Plastic is now found at every level of the marine environment, floating on the surface, in the water column, settled on the seabed, and even within marine organisms. Today, traces of plastic are detected in the food chain and even in humans themselves. Reducing plastic pollution is crucial to safeguard marine ecosystems and ensure global well-being. The need for an international, legally binding plastics treaty, one that compels nations to cooperate on curbing plastic pollution and producing plastic more sustainably, has never been more urgent.

Despite significant efforts, the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations for a global agreement on plastics have yet to reach the consensus needed to conclude an effective treaty. Regardless of the eventual outcome, it is evident that a solid understanding of the problem and its potential solutions are essential for success. New scientific research on plastic pollution and mitigation measures is emerging worldwide, highlighting the importance of providing a platform where researchers can present their latest findings and engage in dialogue and collaboration with their peers.

A strong scientific understanding of the nature, scale, and impact of the plastic crisis is essential for developing sustainable solutions. Tackling plastic pollution effectively and preventing its entry into marine environments from both land- and sea-based sources requires coordination and collaboration among nations, local authorities, academics, as well as private-sector and public stakeholders.

For these reasons, the Government of Iceland will host the Third International Symposium on Plastics in the Atlantic at Harpa, Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Center, on 20-22 October 2026.  

Image: Gary McHale

From the Arctic into the Atlantic, south to the Antarctic

Addressing plastic pollution in the Arctic marine environment was a key priority during the Icelandic Chairmanship of the Arctic Council (2019–2021) and Iceland’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers (2019). This focus prompted the Icelandic government, in collaboration with international partners, to host the first international Arctic Plastics Symposium in 2021, held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Building on its success, a second symposium took place in November 2023 at Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavik, again organized by the Government of Iceland together with international partners.

One of the key takeaways from the second symposium was that much of the plastic found in the Arctic originates from distant regions. This underscores the need to better understand and trace the pathways through which plastics move in the marine environment. As research on marine plastics expands across both hemispheres, broadening the symposium's focus to include the entire Atlantic Ocean — from North to South — is a logical progression and reinforces the message that plastic pollution is a global challenge demanding global cooperation and coordinated solutions.

Looking Ahead: #AtlanticPlastics2026

The past two symposia created valuable platforms for in-depth dialogue on the global plastic crisis. Building on their success, preparations are underway for the third Marine Plastics Pollution Symposium, to be hosted by the Icelandic Government in collaboration with international partners. Scheduled for October 20-22, 2026 at the Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavik, the event will build on the scientific foundation established by previous symposia and aim to generate knowledge and recommendations to guide decision makers, while promoting collaboration, strengthening networks, inspiring innovation, and stimulate the development of new research and partnerships.

This upcoming symposium will not only examine the sources and transport pathways of marine plastics but will also highlight interdisciplinary research on the economic, social and health dimensions of plastic pollution. This includes emerging fields of research such as the impacts of plastics on marine life, human health, and national, regional and global governance and actions.

By broadening the geographic focus, #AtlanticPlastics2026 seeks to bring to light more research, more scientists, and more research institutions working in the Southern Hemisphere, and welcome contributions from the private sector and NGOs. all in support of evidence-based sustainable solutions to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

The symposium will also address practical mitigation strategies and their implementation, offering valuable input to the ongoing negotiations on an international agreement on plastic pollution and other international efforts aimed at protecting the marine environment.

A high-level Scientific Steering Committee has been established to guide the development of the symposium programme, and a call for abstracts will be launched in early 2026.