Policy responses to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in the Caribbean

Caribbean economies depend heavily on a healthy marine ecosystem, but the region includes ten of the top global marine polluters per capita. Regional marine pollution is driven by illegal plastic waste dumping due to poor waste management systems with limited recycling, and weak enforcement. Governments recognize the impacts of marine debris on their social and economic well-being and have responded with policies to curb plastic pollution. Most focus on bans of single-use plastic and polystyrene, which comprises ~80% of Caribbean marine litter. However, there is little comparative analysis of policy responses to determine their efficacy. This paper reviews current policies in 13 English-speaking Caribbean countries, exploring tools used and process of implementation. Eleven have introduced legislative policies, with seven including fines and penalties for non-compliance. All successful policies involve multiple tools, including primary stakeholder engagement, sufficient lead time between policy announcement and implementation, and extensive public education campaigns. [Display omitted] •Caribbean plastic marine pollution caused by illegal dumping, weak enforcement, and poor waste management systems.•Policy responses to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in the Caribbean assessed.•Eleven Caribbean countries introduced legislative policies, with seven including fines and penalties for non-compliance.•Most policy responses focus on bans on single-use plastic and polystyrene.•Successful policies involve stakeholder engagement, sufficient policy lead time, and extensive public education campaigns.