The islands of the South Pacific contribute a fraction of the mismanaged plastics in the world's ocean, yet the region is one of the main recipients of its impacts.

This project sought to provide insights into the successes of initiatives that can prevent man-made plastic pollution from entering and impacting the ocean. We carried out a series of expert interviews and a review of current strategies to prevent marine plastic pollution in five countries - Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The research identified several legislative, financial, and voluntary interventions which governments, organisations and individuals could learn from. Both voluntary and statutory consumer-based behaviour change campaigns are well developed and somewhat successful in several countries. While sub-national policies do not inhibit progress, they are not optimal.

A coordinated global strategy with associated legislation aimed at tackling plastic pollution is key.