Through a recent report, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified hull scrapings, marine coatings and anti-fouling systems as potential sources of microplastics to the oceans. The impacts of marine plastics and microplastics upon species and communities are increasingly recognised with concomitant regulation and public attention. Accordingly, through its mandate on the protection of the marine environment from shipping operations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conducted a literature review to assess current knowledge and data regarding marine coatings as microplastics sources.
