Marine litter and micro-plastics has recently taken a top slot in the political and public agenda on the health and integrity of the world’s oceans. Over 80% of marine pollution that constitute marine litter and micro-plastics is from land based sources , largely associated with diverse anthropogenic activities such as increasing use of synthetic materials, industrialization and urbanization of coastal areas, where disposal and waste management practices are inadequate. To effectively manage marine litter, an adequate knowledge is necessary about drivers, sources, types, amount and dispersion. Policy measures are then needed to address the generation of marine litter and micro-plastics, in particular those that can be prevented at the sources.