A February 24, 2022 California Ocean Protection Council news release https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-takes-decisive-action-to-reduce-microplastics-pollution-301489791.html reports that “… the Council that day approved the first comprehensive microplastics strategy in the nation … This Statewide Microplastic Strategy provides a multi-year roadmap for California to take a national and global leadership role in managing microplastics pollution … [including] Pollution Prevention … Pathway Interventions … Outreach & Education … Monitoring … Risk Thresholds & Assessment … Sources & Pathways Prioritization … [and] Evaluating New Solutions … Worldwide, an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. Without any intervention, this amount is anticipated to triple by 2040 … The California Legislature recognized the need for a comprehensive plan to address this environmental challenge … requiring the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to adopt a statewide research strategy and identify early actions to reduce microplastic pollution in California’s marine environment …” #MicroPlastics #SingleUsePlastic #PlasticWaste @OPC_California