Is it up to business, governments, or individuals to tackle the marine plastic problem? A hybrid mixed logit approach

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution is one of the most talked about environmental issues of our time. While marine plastic pollution generally originates from mismanaged waste from land, waste from ships and fishing gear produce a unique threat to the global seas. Using a choice experiment, we explore preference for a marine debris removal and prevention programme focusing on derelict fishing gear. Additionally, we explore preferences for increasing removal efforts of debris in the North Western Hawaiian Islands. We find overwhelming support for these interventions; however, we find evidence that change, and therefore subsequent action, is strongest for individuals who believe that governments hold the majority of the responsibility for reducing and cleaning plastic pollution in marine environments.

Keywords: Derelict fishing gear; Discrete choice experiment; Hybrid choice model.