Third International Symposium on Plastics in the Atlantic and Arctic Regions

– North-South –

#AtlanticPlastics2026

Background Plastic pollution is a steadily growing threat to marine ecosystems and sustainable use of the oceans.  Plastic is now found at every level of the marine environment, floating on the surface, suspended in the water column, settled on the seabed, and even within marine organisms. Today, traces of plastic are also detected in the food chain and even in humans themselves. A healthy ocean is fundamental to sustaining life on our blue planet. 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 in curbing plastic pollution and making plastic production more sustainable, 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 is essential for success. New scientific research on plastic pollution and mitigation measures is emerging worldwide, highlighting the importance of providing a platform where plastic 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, and private-sector and public stakeholders.

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

From the Arctic into the Atlantic
Addressing plastic pollution in the Arctic marine environment was a key priority during the Icelandic Chairmanship of the Arctic Council (2019–2021). 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 within 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 progressioIt 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.

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 both national and international governance and actions.

By broadening the geographic focus while maintaining scientific excellence, #AtlanticPlastics2026 seeks to inspire evidence-based and 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

Image: Gary McHale