Parachute science through a regional lens: Marine litter research in the Caribbean Small Island Developing States and the challenge of extra-regional research

The Wider Caribbean (WC) comprises numerous diverse developing states and territories including Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In particular, the Eastern part of the WC with its 16 SIDS receives a disproportionate amount of marine litter. Addressing this serious and urgent environmental problem requires scientific evidence to support and inform policy formation and decision making. Yet, as this study demonstrates, marine scientific research on the issue of marine litter in the Caribbean SIDS is predominantly undertaken by extra-regional scientists and organisations which might weaken the science-policy transfer to develop suitable and tailor-made solutions. The view point paper highlights issues and the problems associated with parachute science for the Caribbean SIDS before offering a series of potential policy-ready response options to address the identified challenges. •The Caribbean Small Island Developing States receive a disproportionate amount of marine litter.•Marine litter research in the Caribbean SIDS is subject to parachute science.•Solutions may rely on collaboration regarding funding and strengthening the science-policy gap.