Steps Scientists Can Take to Inform Aquatic Microplastics Management: A Perspective Informed by the California Experience

Recent evidence suggests that microplastic particles are pervasive and potentially of great risk to both animal and human health. The California legislature has responded to this information by enacting two new bills that require quantification of microplastics in various media and development of new management strategies to address microplastic pollution. However, there are several scientific gaps that impede the development and implementation of necessary management strategies to address microplastic pollution. In this paper, we use the California experience as a case study to provide perspective on those science gaps, the current barriers to science affecting management, and the actions scientists can take to best ensure their efforts are of greatest value to policymakers and the management community.