The overall purpose of this brief is to provide policy and management recommendations for addressing and reducing the impacts of plastics on shallow water coral reefs, based on current scienti c knowledge. In doing so, the brief will contribute to achieving the related global, national and regional goals and targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The brief promotes integrated planning and management, awareness-raising, and other efforts to improve and standardise the monitoring of plastics on reefs. It is primarily aimed at national and state policy-makers. The supporting scienti c evidence provides rationale for recommendations and more detailed information for government of cials with technical roles, as well as regional environmental organisations and conservation organizations.