Policy Brief on Trade in Marine Debris Collection Services

The economic costs of marine debris to the APEC region are high. It is critical to remove restrictions on trade, investment and the temporary movement of people needed to engage in debris clean-up services. APEC Ministers have noted how environmental services are important to prevent, protect and remedy environmental degradation.

This policy brief explores the market for marine-debris collection and clean up, the role and functions of the various services involved and the nature of barriers to their delivery. It discusses how APEC can best carry forward future work on services in cleaning up marine debris to promote investment, trade and market creation in these industries across the APEC region, including recommending solutions that extend across borders and cover multiple activities. 

The policy brief supports implementation of the recommendations of the APEC Services Competitiveness Roadmap (ASCR) Mid-Term Review.