Despite decades of efforts to prevent and reduce marine litter in many countries, there is evidence that the problem is persistent and continues to grow – especially as populations continue to increase. Most current solid waste management practices are inadequate and require changes to the regulatory and enforcement regimes as well as non-regulatory incentives. Existing restrictions on ship-based marine debris are hard to enforce, and reports including a recent one from the US National Research Council recommended that such measures be strengthened. Better leadership, coordination of mandates and resources are required at both the national, regional and international levels to better address this global problem.