WESTPAC Training Workshop On Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of Marine Microplastics in Asia and The Pacific

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Workshop Report No.
WESTPAC Training Workshop on

Distribution, Source, Fate and
Impacts of Marine Microplastics in
Asia and the Pacific
Phuket, Thailand
20-22 September 2017
UNESCO
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Workshop Report No.
WESTPAC Training Workshop on

Distribution, Source, Fate and
Impacts of Marine Microplastics in
Asia and the Pacific
Phuket, Thailand
20-22 September 2017
UNESCO 2018
IOC Workshop Report No.
Bangkok, Month 2018
English only
Disclaimer
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply
the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariats of UNESCO and IOC
concerning the legal status of any country or territory, or its authorities, or concerning the
delimitation of the frontiers of any country or territory.
For bibliographic purposes this document should be cited as follows:
WESTPAC Training Workshop on Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of Marine

Microplastics in Asia and the Pacific. Phuket, Thailand, 20-22 September 2017. Paris,
UNESCO,29 pp, 2018. (IOC Workshop Report, ) (English)
 UNESCO 2018
(IOC/2018/WR/??)
page (i)
Table of Contents
page
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ (ii)
1. OPENING AND SELF-INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1
2. SETTING THE SCENE AND CONDUCT OF THE WORKSHOP ................................. 1
3. KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS ..................................................................................... 2
3.1 GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION ....................................... 2
3.2 AN OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY PROTOCOL FOR MICROPLASTIC SAMPLING

AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS .................................................................................. 3
3.3 MICROPLASTICS IN MARINE ORGANISMS............................................................... 4
3.4 METHODOLOGICAL LIMITATIONS FOR MICROPLASTIC QUANTIFICATION IN THE

OCEAN: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OVERCOMING THE DEFECTS ...................... 5
4 COUNTRY REPORTS ON MICROPLASTIC STATUS AND TREND ........................... 6
4.1 BANGLADESH ............................................................................................................. 6
4.2 CHINA .......................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 INDONESIA .................................................................................................................. 7
4.4 REPUBLIC OF KOREA ................................................................................................ 7
4.5 MALAYSIA ................................................................................................................... 8
4.6 PHILIPPINES ............................................................................................................... 8
4.7 SINGAPORE ................................................................................................................ 9
4.8 SRI LANKA .................................................................................................................. 9
4.9 THAILAND.................................................................................................................. 10
4.10 VIETNAM ................................................................................................................... 10
5. PLENARY DISCUSSION ON STEPS FORWARD BASED ON EXISTING NATIONAL

AND REGIONAL CAPACITIES .................................................................................. 10
6. CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS ............................................................................ 12
ANNEXES
I. AGENDA ...................................................................................................................... 1
II. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ............................................................................................. 1
III. PROPOSED PILOT SITES AND MATRIX FOR WESTPAC JOINT MICROPLASTIC
RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAMME ........................................................ 1
page ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The WESTPAC Training Workshop on Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of Marine
Microplastics in Asia and the Pacific took place in Phuket, Thailand, 20-22 September 2017 at
the Phuket Marine Biological Center. A total of 49 participants from Bangladesh, China,
Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and
Vietnam attended the workshop.
Participants exchanged knowledge on marine microplastic status and its impacts,

reviewed existing microplastic research and monitoring approaches, particularly its sampling
and laboratory analysis, and committed to advancing microplastic research and monitoring in
order to understand the distribution, source, fate and impacts of microplastics in the region.
In view of the need for future spatiotemporal comparisons of microplastic abundance

across marine environment, participants decided to develop and employ a set of harmonized
methods for microplastic sampling and analysis in beach sediment, surface water and marine
organism. As an initial step, pilot sites were identified with microplastic sampling and analysis
to be conducted, in a harmonized method, in beach sediment. The draft harmonized method
is expected to be available at the end of 2017. Meanwhile, two working groups were
established, with one focusing on the development of a harmonized method for microplastic
sampling and analysis in surface water, and the other establishing regular communications
and continuously identifying joint actions on the effects of microplastics in marine organisms.
The Sub-Commission expressed its great appreciation to all resource persons for their
tremendous technical contribution, and the Thai National Commission for UNESCO for its
generous financial support to the success of the initial workshop. Upon the offer of the East
China Normal University, the second workshop was tentatively scheduled for September 2018
in Shanghai, China.
page 1
1. Opening and self-introduction
The WESTPAC Training Workshop on Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of

Marine Microplastics in Asia and the Pacific was convened at 09:00 a.m. on Wednesday 20
September 2017, Phuket, Thailand. The training workshop was kindly hosted by the Phuket
Marine Biological Center (PMBC) of Thailand.
Somkiat Khokiattiwong, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR),

Thailand and Vice-Chairperson of IOC, welcomed all participants to the training workshop. He
thanked the Thai National Commission for UNESCO for its generous financial support to the
IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), including those for the
development of WESTPAC Ocean Acidification programme. While expressing his great
concern on microplastic status and its impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems, he
stressed the importance of capacity development in order to gain more knowledge and skills
to address the emerging issue. He encouraged the participants to learn from each other.
Finally, he wished the workshop a great success and all participants a pleasant stay in Phuket.
On behalf of WESTPAC, Wenxi Zhu underscored the pressing need to protect marine
environment from marine debris. He drew the attention of all participants to a recent study in
which eight WESTPAC countries were ranked among the world’s ten largest contributors to
marine plastic pollution. Despite a wide range of commitments being made to address this
emerging issue, knowledge on marine plastics, particularly microplastics and its impacts, still
remains rather limited. To serve Member States’ needs, WESTPAC has been taking initiative,
raising awareness, and networking experts from within and outside the region. Its efforts over
the past years finally led to the establishment of a regional programme at its 11th session (21-
23 April 2017, Qingdao, China), with Daoji Li from the East China Normal University, being
appointed as the Principal Investigator (PI) for this programme. Therefore, he expressed his
great appreciation to Daoji Li and Huahong Shi from China, Won Joon Shim from Korea,
Somkiat Khokiattiwong from Thailand, and Zainal Arifin from Indonesia, for their great
assistance in establishing this regional programme. He also expressed his thanks to the Thai
National Commission for UNESCO, PMBC for their tremendous support that made the
inception workshop possible.
Kanittha Hanirattisai, Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education,

Thailand, delivered her opening remarks by expressing her thanks to WESTPAC and PMBC
for organizing this training workshop. She reiterated the strong willingness of the Thai
government to strengthen regional network and capacity for marine science in the Western
Pacific, and expressed its commitment to developing a regional training and research center
(RTRC) on marine science together with WESTPAC. She inspired all participants to synergize
their efforts together in order to address the emerging challenges. Finally, she expected that
the workshop would be a success with concrete actions agreed upon.
All participants were invited to give self-introduction on themselves. The list of

participants is attached as Annex II.
2. Setting the scene and conduct of the workshop
Daoji Li, WESTPAC Principal Investigator for microplastic programme, briefed on the
workshop objectives which aim to: (i) establish a marine microplastic monitoring and research
network among scientists, institutions, and agencies in the region; (ii) share existing
microplastic monitoring and research approaches, learn from each other, and further develop
regional capability of research and monitoring on marine microplastics in the region; (iii) identify
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challenges and gaps in monitoring and assessment of the impacts of microplastics on marine
ecosystems; and (iv) discuss the possibility of developing a joint-monitoring plan on the
distribution of microplastics and a shared ecological risk assessment model for microplastics
in the region.
He further introduced that this inception workshop will take three days to achieve its
objectives. The first day will be dedicated to keynote and technical lectures, including global
assessment of microplastic pollution, overview of methods and protocols for microplastic
sampling and laboratory analysis, microplastic pollution in marine organisms, and
methodological limitations for microplastic research. On the second day, participants from each
country will present their current efforts and future plan for microplastic research and
monitoring at the national/institutional levels. On the last day, a plenary session will be
convened to discuss the way forward, in light of discussions over the first two days. In order to
achieve the goal of the development of a joint regional programme on microplastic research
and monitoring, Daoji Li encouraged all participants to actively engage in the plenary
discussion on the way forward, and contribute to the development of an actionable workplan
for the regional microplastic programme. Finally, he stressed the importance of the continued
engagement of participants in the implementation of the regional programme in order to
effectively move the long-term regional microplastic programme forward.
The Agenda of the workshop is attached as Annex I to this report.
3. Keynote presentations
3.1 Global assessment of microplastic pollution
Won Joon Shim from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST),
provided an overview of global assessment of microplastic pollution. A global trend of material
productions was shifted from more plastic products than steel in 1989, and more polyester
fibres than cotton in 2005. It was estimated that about 8 million metric tons of plastic waste
were transported to the ocean each year. A recent study indicated that several Asian countries
are major contributors of plastic wastes to the ocean based on a model linking data on solid
waste production, population density and economic status. Marine plastic debris including
microplastics have been causing negative impacts on marine organisms, ecosystems, human
health, and even socio-economic development.
He briefed on the definition of microplastics. Microplastics are defined as synthetic

organic polymers in the size less than five millimeters. Microplastic debris is classified as either
primary or secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are those originally manufactured
in small particles for industrial raw material and cosmetics, such as resin pellets and
polyethylene microbeads. On the other hand, secondary microplastics are those produced as
a result of mechanical or chemical fragmentation of larger plastic items. He elaborated on
analytical techniques for measuring microplastics, which involve sampling, isolation and
quantification of microplastic particles. Microplastics are collected by grabbing, netting or
sieving methods depending on environment of interests and research focuses. Then, the
samples are isolated or extracted by separation and digestion to remove non-plastic materials.
One common method for microplastic extraction is density separation which are done by using
chemical reagents such as sodium chloride (NaCl), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), sodium iodide (NaI),
or lithium metatungstate (LMT). Following the extraction, microplastic particles are purified
using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric acid (HNO3), potassium hydroxide (KOH) or enzymes.
After this step, the microplastics are ready for quantification and identification in laboratory.
Different types of optical microscope are used for physical characterization based upon color,
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size and morphology. Spectroscope or thermal analysis are used for polymer type
identification.
He further shared a comprehensive review of over 100 publications of microplastic

abundance in sea water and sediment worldwide. Mean abundance of microplastic particles
in seawater differs by nine orders of magnitude. Microplastic abundance varied from less than
1 item/m3 to over 104 items/m3 in seawater, and more than 10 items/m2 to more than 104
items/m2 in beach sediment. Serval other aspects of microplastic research such as its temporal
distribution and effects on marine organism were also presented. Microplastic distribution on
beaches were recorded in Europe, Asia, North America and South America, while the
distribution in the ocean were reported in Mediterranean, North and South Pacific, North and
South Atlantic. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity Report (2012), almost 400
species of marine organisms, including mammals, fish, sea birds and sea turtles, were affected
by marine debris. Microplastics in bivalves for human consumptions have also been reported
worldwide. In addition, toxic effects of microplastics to organisms have been documented.
These impacts include decreased feeding and fecundity in zooplankton; lowering weight and
energy reserved in lugworm; inflammatory immune response in mussel; and reduction of
oocyte, sperm velocity, larval yield and development in oyster. Finally, he expressed his great
concern on microplastic transportation through the food chain, as they are found in large
numbers of organisms used for human consumption.
The presentation prompted wide interests. One question was raised on how data can
be compared worldwide despite the fact that sampling and analytical approaches are
inconsistent with a variety of reporting units. While emphasizing a critical need of reliable
standard analytical techniques for microplastic research, he recommended that, when
scientists document the data and results, all possible units should be presented in the papers
in order to allow for large scale data comparisons in the future.
3.2 An overview of methodology protocol for microplastic sampling and laboratory

analysis
Chengjun Sun from the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State Oceanic
Administration (SOA), China, presented sampling, sample pre-treatment and laboratory
analysis procedures for microplastics in water, sediment (beach sample) and marine organism.
She explained that microplastics can be obtained from both surface water and water column
using selective pre-concentrating and/or bulk sampling techniques. Various plankton nets
commonly used for selective pre-concentrating microplastic samples are Neuston net, Manta
trawl, Bongo net and Catamaran with mash sizes from 20-1000 µm. She noted that several
parameters such as net length, net opening, towing speed, towing duration, and geographic
factors should be taken into account in order to select proper tools. Bulk sampling methods
are able to harvest microplastics with all sizes. Several tools such as Bongo net, Schindler-
Patalas plankton trap and CTD are commonly used for bulk sampling of sea water. In view of
sample pre-treatment for microplastics in water sample, multi-tier sieving with vibration motor
are used for separating materials according to mesh sizes varying from 20-400 µm. Other pre-
treatment methods commonly used are peroxide treatment, density separation and filtration.
She detailed microplastic sampling from beach sediment. It is suggested that samples
are taken from several 0.5 x 0.5 meter quadrat in transect lines from three beach zones:
subtidal, inter tidal and vegetation zones. Beach sediment samples are collected from the
topmost 5 cm in each quadrat. The sediment samples are processed through a series of pre-
treatment steps: drying, density separation, sieving, drying for mass, oxidation and separation,
and filtration.
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She further briefed on approaches for microplastic research in marine organism. A

number of investigations have been done in several species of invertebrates, fishes, marine
mammals and birds. Microplastics are sampled from whole organisms, gastrointestinal tracts,
or several body parts, depending on the sizes of organisms and sizes and types of
microplastics of interests. The samples from organisms are pre-treated either by enzyme
digestion such as proteinase, cellulase and chitinase; or chemical digestion such as hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), or 65% nitric acid:68%
hypochlorous acid (65%HNO3:68%HClO4).
Following the sample collection and pre-treatment processes, the microplastic samples
are ready for analysis. Laboratory equipments for quantification and identification of
microplastics involve light microscope for visual identification; Fourier transform infrared
spectroscope (FTIR) for polymer type identification based on molecular structure; and micro
FTIR, a combination of FTIR and optical microscope; Raman spectroscope for polymer type
identification using laser light source to detect polarizability of chemical bonds; scanning
electron microscope-energy dispersive x–ray (SEM-EDX) which combines scanning electron
microscope with energy dispersive x–ray technology for analyzing morphological structure and
elemental composition; and Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC-MS),
a destructive method used for identifying polymer types and additives simultaneously. Finally,
she emphasized the importance of contamination control in every step from sampling to lab
analysis, especially in studies on smaller microplastic fractions, such as avoiding using plastic
equipment, minimizing sample exposure time, and taking systematic blanks.
Responding to an enquiry concerning how to select study sites for microplastic

research and monitoring, it was recommended that representative sites at several degrees of
human impacts from pristine to populated areas should be selected as they can reflect the
variations of microplastic distribution.
3.3 Microplastics in marine organisms
Huahong Shi, East China Normal University, shared several recent studies on
microplastics in organisms including zooplankton, crab, shrimp and fish. The ability of
microplastic transportation in planktonic food web have been evidenced in zooplankton and
shrimp. Impacts of small plastic particles on the growth of zooplankton, fish’s intestine tissues
morphology are also reported. Although over the past 10 years, studies on microplastics in
organisms have been significantly increased covering more than 800 marine species, the
studies in Asia and the Pacific region are still relatively limited.
He outlined a step-by-step procedure for microplastic collection and digestion in marine

organisms. He explained that several body parts such as muscle tissue, liver, gonad, cell,
lymph system, mouth, gill and feces are studied depending on types of organisms and size of
microplastics. Most of the studies take samples of microplastics from gastrointestinal tracts
and whole organisms. Microplastics are initially separated from the organisms or organisms’
parts by dissection or digestion. Several digestion solutions with advantages and
disadvantages are recommended such as enzyme (Trypsin, Proteinase-K and Corolase 7089),
acid (HNO3, HCl and KOH), alkali (NaOH), and oxidant (H2O2). Enzymes require short
digestion time and provide samples which are compatible with FTIR and Ramen analysis.
However, the prices of enzymes are usually high. Acid and alkali also digest samples in a short
period of time but some plastic particles might be lost during digestion. Samples digested by
acid solutions will not be compatible with FTIR and Ramen analysis. An oxidant digestion
allows the samples to be analyzed by FTIR and Ramen, however the microplastic samples
digested by an oxidant solution may be discolored or bleached. As different digestion solutions
have different properties and effects on microplastic samples, researchers need to carefully
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consider benefits and drawbacks of the solutions in order to best choose suitable solutions for
their studies.
He further detailed studies of microplastics in marine organisms conducted by his

laboratory. Bivalves were chosen as a model organism as they are filter feeders and part of
human diets which are closely linked to ecological effects and health risk, respectively. Nine
species of bivalves in fish market for human consumption in China were investigated.
Microplastics were found in all nine species of the commercial bivalves with microplastic fibres
as the most dominant form. The highest average abundance of microplastics was more than
50 items/individual reported in a scallop species, Patinopecten yessoensis. Sizes of
microplastics in the mussels varied from 0.005 to 5 mm. In addition, he reported results from
a study on microplastic abundance in blue mussel from 23 sampling sites including of wild and
farm sites along the coastal water of China. Microplastics were found in mussels collected from
all sites. The average abundance of microplastics in this study was less than 10
items/individual. It was evidenced that microplastic levels were higher in mussels sampled from
the wild sites than from the farm sites, probably because the farm sites are usually located in
the relatively clean areas.
Based on his extensive experience and literature review, Shi recommend that, when
assessing microplastics in bivalves, samples should be taken from whole organisms while in
fish, whole digestive tracts should be examined. He recommended taking bivalves as a bio-
indicator of microplastic pollution in the joint microplastic monitoring and research programme
in Asia and the Pacific.
The presentation generated wide interests as microplastic pollution directly links to

human health and might have potential impacts to marine based food security if microplastics
cause negative impacts to the animal physiology and life cycle. Several countries expressed
their strong willingness to conduct joint microplastic studies in organisms.
3.4 Methodological limitations for microplastic quantification in the ocean:

recommendations for overcoming the defects
Daoji Li gave a comprehensive and in depth review of methodology limitations for

microplastic quantification. Despite several published methods for microplastic lab analysis,
there are no universally accepted methods for microplastic studies. Given that all the existing
microplastic sampling and analysis methods have potential bias, it is critical to understand the
methodology limitations in order to select suitable, cost effective approaches for microplastic
research, in particular, for a large scale joint regional microplastic monitoring programme.
He detailed advantages and disadvantages of microplastic sampling methods in

surface water, beach sediment and marine organism, and provided recommendations
accordingly in order to address the limitations of current methods. Of the commonly used
approaches to sample microplastics in water, it is recommended that larger volume of bulk
sampling should be employed in order to collect all size fractions of microplastics in the
environment and eliminate unnecessary contamination. Environmental parameters such as
wind direction, time of sampling, tidal height and rainfall should be clearly recorded. In term of
microplastic sample collection in sediments and sands, it is also suggested that bulk samples
be taken. Sediment and sand samples should be taken from several quadrats on transects
from the surface to 5 cm depth below the surface. The units of microplastics in sediment should
be reported in both wet and dry weight, and in volume.
Li explained that samples should be brought to the laboratory for separation. Larger
microplastic particles from 1 to 5 mm can be detected by naked-eye or light microscope while
high magnification fluorescence microscope is used for detecting small microplastic particles
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from 1µm to 1mm in size. Filtration, sieving and density separation are commonly used for
separating microplastics in water and sediment. Typically, a saturated sodium chloride (NaCl)
solution with a density of 1.202 g/cm3 is used for separating microplastics from sediment and
sand. For biological samples, chemical and enzyme digestions are used for cleaning-up
organic matters in the samples.
He further introduced the method for microplastic identification. It is necessary to purify

microplastic samples, prior to the identification, by use of mechanical, chemical or enzyme
removal methods. Ideally, sample purification by enzymes are strongly recommended as
enzymes do not alter microplastic properties and are less harmful to the researchers and the
environment.
Microplastic identification techniques vary from simple visual identification to complex

identification of chemical compositions. For an ideal study of microplastics, visual identification
alone is not recommended as it can only detect larger plastic particles and has high
misidentification rate of 20-70%. When applicable, complementary techniques such as FTIR,
Raman spectroscope and Pyr-GC–MS should be performed for more accurate identification.
Daoji Li concluded his talk by stressing the importance of research quality assurance
and quality control (QA/QC). To minimize the contamination in lab, he recommended that all
liquid reagents and media be filtered, glassware instead of plastic equipment be used to the
extent possible, and all glassware be combusted at 450 ºC for 8 hours to remove organic
materials. Clean-air devices with particle filtration such as High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter
should be applied to reduce airborne particles. As contamination in natural microplastic
samples has been generally recorded, systematic blanks should be taken at all stages from
field sampling, laboratory environment, atmospheric deposition, sample filtration, sample
digestion and sample separation to examine any possible contamination. Moreover, it is critical
to limit contamination during the field sampling and laboratory analysis by minimizing sample
exposure, using cleaned equipment, and applying suitable personal precautions.
The presentation was well received with a wide range of enquiries made from
participants. Responding to an enquiry concerning how to start microplastic research,
especially in view of current limited capacity, Li recommended that countries start with
microplastic monitoring in coastal areas where it is relatively easy to access. Initial research
could focus on large microplastic particles (1-5 mm) as it does not require expensive equipment
and complex techniques, which will also allow for large scale comparisons for microplastic
abundance in the future. Large microplastic particles could be separated by use of 5 mm and
1 mm sieves, and then sorted visually by naked-eye or light microscope. After the analysis, the
microplastic particles should be stored for future FTIR analysis and confirmation once it
becomes possible.
4 Country reports on microplastic status and trend
4.1 Bangladesh
Sayedur Chowdhury from the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of
Chittagong, Bangladesh presented that currently microplastic monitoring and research in the
country are very limited, despite the national priority accorded to land based plastic pollution.
Assessment of microplastic status in coastal waters has been listed as the institute’s priority,
but relevant research capacity remains to be developed. Finally, Chowdhury expressed that
the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries will take an active part in this WESTPAC joint
research programme on microplastics, and be glad to offer its skills in developing policy papers
for government agencies.
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4.2 China
Juying Wang, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, SOA, China reported
on a number of national legal, policy and governance frameworks for solid waste management,
and marine debris. China adopted integrated approaches to manage marine debris, ranging
from research led by universities and institutes, monitoring and assessment led by SOA, and
land sources controlled by Ministry of Environmental Protection. China also initiated several
national research and development programmes specifically on microplastic monitoring,
management and impacts. Among these, there are almost 20 projects funded by National
Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and local governments. In particular, SOA has
been implementing macro-debris monitoring programme since 2007 and started micro-marine
debris monitoring programme in 2016. Despite these efforts, skill sets and capacity, especially
for understanding the effects of microplastics in organism/environment are still required.
4.3 Indonesia
Agung Dhamar Syakti from the Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) reported the
national priority on marine debris. He focused on five main aspects, including beach macro-
litter monitoring, microplastic monitoring; co-pollutions occurrence (such as Polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons-PAHs, polychlorinated biphenyls-PCBs and heavy metals); ingested plastic by
fish; and community empowerment programme on re-use of plastic litter. Indonesia has a
national action plan for combating Marine Plastic Debris (2017-2025) under the coordination
of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. While the government focuses on marine debris
management, several agencies such as the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI), the Raja Ali
Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) and the Agency for the Assessment and Application
Technology (BPPT) have been conducting plastic research and monitoring. LIPI recently
completed its microplastic sampling programme (2015-2017) with microplastics sampled from
over 10 stations nationwide, and in 2016 published a paper on microplastics in deep-sea
sediment. The University Hasanuddin Makassar reported a study of microplastic debris,
conducted in 2015, in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption while the Padjajaran
University is conducting a joint microplastic study at Cilacap Water, Central Java, in
collaboration with the Raja Ali Haji Maritime University and the Aix-Marseille University.
4.4 Republic of Korea
Shim briefed the meeting on national microplastic research development in Korea

which was initiated as a pilot study in 2011 and later on developed as a KIOST priority project
(2012-2014). Since 2015, this project has evolved as a national priority project, entitled “the
National Environmental Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Korean Coastal Waters (2015-
2020)”. The project covers five major aspects, respectively on development of techniques for
the assessment of microplastic pollution and biological effects; assessment of microplastic
pollution in the marine environment; assessment of input pathway and transportation of
microplastics; assessment of biological effects of microplastics in marine organisms; and
assessment of ecological risk of microplastics in the marine environment.
Since 2012, regular monitoring for microplastics has been conducted at approximately
40 stations along the coast of Korea. Microplastics in marine organisms such as bivalves and
lugworms have also been analyzed. All microplastic analysis are identified at polymer type
levels using FTIR. In order to define the seriousness of microplastic pollution, Korea targets
microplastic research on exposure and effect of the microplastics themselves and their
associated chemicals.
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Shim highlighted that harmonized sampling and analytical methods are critical for a
joint regional research as these will lead to robust data production which allows for
comparisons over a large scale. Lastly, he offered that KIOST will consider lending its expertise
to assist in the development of harmonized microplastic monitoring methods in cooperation
with other countries.
4.5 Malaysia
Zulfigar Yasin, University Sains Malaysia, briefly introduced plastic industry and waste
composition in Malaysia. It was reported that plastic waste is ranked as the 2nd largest
contributor to the whole trash production. The issue and research into microplastics in Malaysia
is linked to the issue of solid waste and marine debris in general. Microplastic research in
Malaysia remains at the early stage. There are less than 20 publications on microplastics in
sediment, beach, water and organism. The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is currently
conducting microplastic assessment and monitoring in coral reef, bio-symbiosis, offshore,
marine invertebrates and vertebrates. The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS)
at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) conducts research and monitoring in marine debris and
microplastics in natural marine habitats and built-up environments.
He suggested raising the awareness of plastic wastes in the marine environment and
linking this relatively exposed issue to the emerging issue of microplastics. Malaysia also
highlights the need to look into microplastic distribution in marine waters and its link with the
flow and transport of materials in marine areas. These materials go across national boundaries
and the collaborative effort of neighboring countries is required to solve this pollution.
Bearing in mind the large scale sampling required to determine the distribution of
plastics in marine areas, another research interest could be to explore novel approaches to
determining the density and distribution of plastic from the space and integrate this with existing
sampling approaches.
He concluded his presentation by highlighting the importance of regional scale study

of microplastics, development of standard methods for microplastic research, and
establishment of database for plastic material identification.
4.6 Philippines
Joseph Dominic Palermo from the Marine Science Institute and the Institute of
Environmental Science and Meteorology, University of Philippines reported that microplastic
status in Philippines remains nearly unknown with limited research interest on this topic. Even
though the government accorded national priority to plastic waste management, microplastic
portion of the waste is not specified in the plan.
He further shared findings from his study on trophic interaction between Bali sardines
and phytoplankton during 2014-2016 that some microplastic fragments were found in the fish
gut contents. Over 600 sardine gut samples collected from eight sites along the Philippines’s
sea were analyzed for microplastic ingestion using microscope. The results showed that fishes
from all sites ingested microplastic particles with the highest number of more than 30 items of
microplastics in one fish.
Although microplastic research has not yet become a national priority, he mentioned
that it is critical to conduct microplastic research and monitoring. Therefore, microplastic
agenda is incorporated into other research programmes for opportunistic sampling. Finally, he
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informed the meeting that the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology has shown
its research interest on microplastics in sediment, bivalves and its dispersal model
development. The capacity development on microplastic research and monitoring in the
country is urgently needed.
4.7 Singapore
Emily Curren and Joleen Chan from the National University of Singapore (NUS)
presented that there are only two publications on microplastics in the country. These
publications studied microplastics in mangrove, beach and seawater using FTIR to analyze
the microplastic samples and found polyethylene to be a common polymer type.
Singapore has been giving a priority to microplastic research with efforts being made
to establish baseline data for microplastic distribution and assess potential impacts on marine
life. Currently, NUS and the National Parks Board are working together to address the
microplastic distribution while the Tropical Marine Science Institute of NUS is researching
microplastic impacts on native marine invertebrate life cycle. In addition, the Public Utilities
Board and NUS are quantifying and identifying microplastics in freshwater reservoirs. Baseline
data for microplastic would be gathered through its Citizen Science programmes which would
serve an educational purpose and long-term monitoring programme for marine debris in
Singapore.
Singapore started a pilot study of microplastics in beach sediment with almost thirty
samples collected from five stations along national beaches. A maximum of almost 90 items
of microplastic debris per square meter were found in one sample.
It was suggested that an integrated approach of research collaboration, sharing of

lessons learnt and outreach be applied to enhance the understanding of microplastic status in
the region. Finally, NUS will play an active part in implementing WESTPAC microplastic
programme and incorporate the outcomes from the joint regional programme into national
policy for marine debris when applicable.
4.8 Sri Lanka
Jayasiri Hewawasam Bentotage, National Aquatic Resources Research and

Development Agency (NARA), Sri Lanka presented that very few studies were conducted on
microplastics in the Indian Ocean with no published report or article on marine microplastic
assessment in Sri Lanka. Though the general public’s awareness of microplastic pollution in
the nation remains poor, Sri Lankan government issued, on September 2017, a gazette
notification (The Gazette Notification No. 1466/5) banning the use and manufacture of
polythene items of less than 20 µm particles.
He introduced recent studies of microplastics initiated by NARA in 2017. Water off

Colombo and beach sand in Hikkaduwa were sampled for microplastic assessment. The
average abundance of microplastics in sea water was less than 1 item/m3 while the highest
average abundance of microplastic in beach sand was more than 40 items/L of sand volume.
Microplastic fibres were also observed in bivalves and several fish species in Sri Lanka. He
briefed the meeting that several research programmes on microplastics are ongoing including
one on a quantitative analysis of microplastic debris in selected sites of Western to Southern
coastal stretch; short-term research projects to identify and quantify microplastics in water,
sediment, and finfish and shellfish species; and a collaborative project between Korean
page 10
Institute and the Marine Environment Protection Authority of Sri Lanka to quantify the marine
debris.
4.9 Thailand
Phaothep Cherdsukjai from PMBC, DMCR, Thailand, presented an overview of

microplastic research in Thailand. The country has taken marine debris pollution into the
national agenda since 2014. It was estimated that about 51K tons of mismanaged plastic waste
were transferred to Thai water and eventually end up in the ocean. DMCR conducted several
studies of marine debris along the Thai coastline in 2015, showing that the top three marine
debris were different types of plastics. With the concern that these macro plastic debris will be
fragmented to smaller plastic particles over the time, a preliminary study on marine
microplastics in sediment was initiated in 2017. Ten study sites along the coast near five
DMCR’s research stations were selected for the first phase of the national microplastic study.
Thailand plans to conduct microplastic monitoring in sediment and water, and preliminary
studies on plastic particles in marine organisms in 2018. Based on the results generated from
these preliminary studies, Thailand aims to establish a long term microplastic monitoring plan
by 2019. A total of 23 sites along Thai coastline will be sampled for microplastic monitoring in
the next couple years.
He informed that Thailand applies an integrated approach to waste management by

incorporating plastic debris management plan into the National Solid Waste Management
Master Plan (2016-2021). DMCR under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is
working closely with other government agencies such as the Pollution Control Department and
Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, universities, and private sectors to conduct
long term monitoring programme and raise public awareness of microplastic pollution.
4.10 Vietnam
Vo Tuan Linh Tran from the Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam expressed with regret
that no research has been done on microplastic pollution in the country. The public and policy
makers’ awareness of plastics and microplastics are still poor. He stated that Vietnam is
committed to actively taking part in the WESTPAC programme and will building up its capacity
for microplastic research.
5. Plenary discussion on steps forward based on existing national and regional

capacities
Upon reviewing all national reports, Wenxi Zhu pointed out that, in light of existing
capacities for microplastic research and monitoring in the region, countries in the region could
be categorized into three levels. Level 1: countries that have already their respective
national/institutional plans with high capacity, such as China, Korea and Thailand; Level 2:
countries that have started to conduct some fragmented research and monitoring programmes
with a medium level of capacity, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka; and
Level 3: countries that have not yet started microplastic study with limited capacity, including
Bangladesh, Philippines and Vietnam.
He encouraged that, despite existing disparity in capacity among countries, it indeed

provides a great opportunity to develop south-north, and south-south cooperation among
individuals, institutions and countries in the region. He further invited all participants to
brainstorm on the way forward in order to address microplastic issue collectively.
page 11
Intensive and extensive discussions were aroused in plenary with pertinent

suggestions made. Key suggestions include that:
• the protocol or method for microplastic sampling and analysis be standardized

among institutions, and countries in the region, in order to allow for future
spatiotemporal comparison of microplastic abundance across marine
environments;
• pilot sites be selected as a starting point for microplastic sampling and analysis,
in the harmonized protocol or method;
• A “learning by doing” approach be taken to gradually enhancing countries’
capacity for microplastic research, given their limited capacity at the moment;
• outreach efforts, such as the development of outreach materials, need to be
made, given the limited awareness in some countries on the negative impacts
of microplastics;
In order to translate these constructive suggestions into concrete actions, a matrix was
subsequently developed to assist participants in identifying their pilot sites and mapping
existing capacity for microplastic sampling and analysis in these sites.
In the matrix, capacities for sampling and analysis are classified into three classes
based upon the size range of microplastic particles, considering the technical complexity and
workload involved for different size range. Class 1: microplastic particles (1-5 mm) which can
be detected by naked eye, Class 2: microplastic particles (300-1000 µm) which can be
identified by microscope, and Class 3: microplastic particles (1-300 µm) which are analyzed
by spectroscope. To understand the spatial distribution and effects of microplastics in marine
environment, the matrix also suggests that sampling be taken in beach sediment, surface water
and marine organism.
In view of current capacity varying from one country to another, it was agreed that initial
effort will focus on, but not limited to, beach sediment, so that all participants and countries are
able to conduct microplastic sampling and analysis immediately. Furthermore, in order to better
reflect the relation of microplastic distribution with human activities, pilot sites shall embody
three representative types: i. pristine site with limited human activities such as remote island
or protected area; ii. moderate site such as small fishing village, beach outside the city or small
scale aquaculture area; and iii. populated site with extensive human activities such as harbor
and estuary. It was strongly suggested that a minimum of two pilot sites should be selected
under each representative type.
Immediately after the discussion, all participants were divided into small groups by
countries to identify their pilot sites (with a focus on beach sediment) and assess their current
capacity for microplastic sampling and analysis. The preliminary result was presented as
Annex III.
To facilitate participants’ effort in pilot sites, Won Joon Shim presented in details the
method for microplastic sampling and analysis in beach sediment. Responding to queries
about sampling frequency and quantification, he suggested it would be pragmatic to take
samples before and after monsoon season. Therefore, the favorable sampling time in
Southeast Asia would be March to April. He further added that microplastic should be
quantified by both mass and number.
page 12
6. Conclusion and next steps
It is evident that the spirit of cooperation in microplastic research and monitoring was
highly reflected throughout the event. With in-depth discussions, the workshop concluded with
the following actions to be taken over the next intersessional period:
• all materials used for this workshop will be uploaded soonest to the WESTPAC
website (http://iocwestpac.org/calendar/834.html ) to help participants further
digest the knowledge, discuss with others, and develop their respective
workplan for the next intersessional period;
• all participants will keep working on the matrix to ensure accurate information,
particularly these pilot sites, could be well included.
• Won Joon Shim and Daoji Li will lead the finalization of a harmonized method
for microplastic sampling and analysis in beach sediment, building upon their
valuable experience and practices. Once the draft is available at the end of
2017, it will be circulated to participants for their feedback.
In view of the pressing need to study microplastics in surface water and marine
organisms, the meeting decided to establish two working groups respectively:
Microplastics in Surface Water Working Group
This Working Group will focus on the development of a harmonized method for
microplastic sampling and analysis in surface water. This Working Group is led by Chengjun
Sun and Juying Wang with Agus Sudaryanto, Corry Manullang, Emily Curren, Sayedur
Chowdhury, Somkiat Khokiattiwong, Vo Tuan Linh Tran, and Wichin Suebpala as Working
Group members.
Microplastics in Marine Organism Working Group
This Working Group will focus on establishing regular communications and keep
identifying joint actions among the established network on the effects of microplastics in marine
organisms. The Working Group is led by Huahong Shi with Agus Sudaryanto, Chengjun Sun,
Jayasiri Hewawasam Bentotage, Jitraporn Phaksopa, Joseph Dominic Palermo, MD Shahadat
Hossain, Supakij Suttiruengwong, Vararin Vongpanich, Wichin Suebpala, Yusof Shuaib
Ibrahim, and Zulfigar Yasin as Working Group members.
Among others, the two working groups will present their progress at the next workshop.
In closing, Daoji Li, in his capacity as Principal Investigator, highlighted the tangible
results generated from this workshop as a result of strong willingness that all participants
expressed to advance knowledge on microplastics. He expressed the offer of his institution to
host the next workshop, which was tentatively scheduled for September, 2018 in the East
China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
The IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) extended its great
appreciation to all resource persons for their tremendous contribution to the success of this
workshop. Special thanks to the Phuket Marine Biological Center for hosting the workshop and
the Thai National Commission for UNESCO for its generous support to the Sub-Commission.
Annex I - page 1
ANNEX I
AGENDA
OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING WORKSHOP

• Establish a marine microplastic monitoring and research network among
scientists, institutions, and agencies in the region;
• Share existing microplastic monitoring and research approaches, learn from each
other and further develop regional capability of research and monitoring on
marine microplastics in the region;
• Identify challenges and gaps in monitoring and assessing the impacts of
microplastics on marine ecosystems;
• Discuss the possibility of developing a joint-monitoring plan on the distribution and
concentration of microplastics, and a shared ecological risk assessment model for
microplastics in the region.
1. Opening and self-introduction

(Facilitator: Ms Orathai Pongruktham)
• Welcome Remarks by Mr Somkiat Khokiattiwong, Department of Marine and
Coastal Resources, Thailand
• Welcome Remarks by Mr Wenxi Zhu, IOC Regional Office for the Western
Pacific (WESTPAC Office)
• Opening Remarks by Ms Kanittha Hanirattisai, International Cooperation Unit,
Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Thailand.
• Participants brief self-introduction
2. Setting the scene and conduct of the workshop

(Facilitator: Mr Daoji Li)
• Brief on the workshop objectives, and expected outputs and outcomes
• Conduct of the workshop
3. Keynote presentation
• Global assessment of microplastic pollution - Mr Won Joon Shim, Korea
Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)
• An overview of methodology protocol for microplastic sampling and laboratory
analysis - Ms Chengjun Sun, First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), State
Oceanic Administration (SOA)
• Microplastics in marine organisms, Mr Huahong Shi, East China Normal
University
• Methodological limitations for microplastic quantification in the ocean:
recommendations for overcoming the defects, Mr Daoji Li, East China Normal
University
4. Country report on microplastic status and trend

• Bangladesh - Mr Sayedur Chowdhury, University of Chittagong
• China - Ms Juying Wang, State Oceanic Administration (SOA)
• Indonesia - Mr Agung Dhamar Syakti, Raja Ali Haji Maritime University
(UMRAH)
• Republic of Korea - Mr Won Joon Shim, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and
Technology (KIOST)
Annex I – page 2
• Malaysia - Mr Zulfigar Yasin, Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies

(CEMACS), University Sains Malaysia
• Philippines - Mr Joseph Dominic Palermo, Marine Science Institute
• Singapore - Ms Emily Curren and Ms Joleen Chan, National University of
Singapore (NUS)
• Sri Lanka - Mr Jayasiri Hewawasam Bentotage, National Aquatic Resources
Research and Development Agency (NARA)
• Thailand - Mr Phaothep Cherdsukjai, Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources (DMCR)
• Vietnam - Mr Vo Tuan Linh Tran, Institute of Oceanography (IO)
5. Plenary discussion on step forward based on existing national and regional

capacities
(Facilitator: Mr Wenxi Zhu)
6. Conclusion and next steps

(Facilitator: Mr Won Joon Shim, Mr Daoji Li, Mr Wenxi Zhu)
Annex II - page 1
ANNEX II
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Bangladesh Mr Agus Sudaryanto

Researcher
Mr MD Shahadat Hossain Laboratory for Marine Survey Technology,
Professor Agency for the Assessment and
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries Application of Technology (BPPT) 2nd
University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Building 12 Floors, Jl.HH.Thamrin 8,
Bangladesh Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
Tel: +62-21-316 9428
Mr Sayedur Chowdhury Fax: +62-21-310 8149
Professor
Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries Ms Corry Manullang
University of Chittagong, Chittagong-4331, Researcher
Bangladesh Indonesian Institute of Sciences
Tel: +88 0 1768 222912 Jl. Syaranamual Guru-Guru Poka,
Ambon – Molucca, Indonesia
China Tel: +6282248552230
Fax: +62911322700
Ms Juying Wang
Deputy Director-General Malaysia
National Marine Environmental Monitoring
Center, State Oceanic Administration Ms Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar
Linghe Street 42, Dalian City, Liaoning Senior Lecturer
Province, 116023, China School of Marine and Environment
Tel: +86 411 84782526 Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,
Fax: +86 411 84782586 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu,
Malaysia
Ms Lei He
Associate professor Mr Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
School of Marine Sciences, East Campus Lecturer
of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 1314-A Gong Kemunting Kuala lbai,
Higher Education Mega Center, China 20400, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu,
Tel: +86 189 24236916 Malaysia
Fax: +86 20 39332160
Mr Zulfigar Yasin
Ms Guyu Peng Professor
PhD Candidate School of Biological Sciences, Universiti
East China Normal University, 3663 Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang,
Zhongshan North Road, Shanghai, Malaysia
200062, China
Philippines
Indonesia
Mr Joseph Dominic Palermo
Mr Agung Dhamar Syakti Senior Research Assistant
Dean The Marine Science Institute, Velasquez
Marine Science and Fisheries Faculty, St., University of the Philippines, Diliman,
Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Jl.Politeknik Senggarang-Tanjungpinang, Tel: +63 2 9223959
29100, Indonesia Fax: +63 2 9247678
Tel: 62-771-7004642
Fax: 62-771-703899
Annex II – page
Singapore Ms Kanittha Hanirattisai

Chief
Ms Emily Curren International Cooperation Unit, Bureau of
Ph.D student International Cooperation, Ministry of
National University of Singapore Education, Dusit, Bangkok 10300,
208 Choa Chu Kang Central #02-74, Thailand
680208, Singapore
Tel:81008127 Ms Kingkanjana Sangtunchai
Secretary of Thailand-China Joint
Ms Joleen Chan Laboratory for Climate and Marine
Research Assistant Ecosystem, 51 Moo 8, Vichit, Muang,
National University of Singapore Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Blk 116 Serangoon North Ave 1, #05-491 Tel: +66 76 39 1507
Singapore 550116, Singapore Fax: +66 76 39 1507
Sri Lanka Mr Komsun Thongtheam

Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo
Mr Jayasiri Hewawasam Bentotage 8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Principal Scientist Tel: +66 76 391128
National Institute of Oceanography and Fax: +66 76 391127
marine Sciences, National Aquatic
Resources Research and Development Mr Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong
Agency, Crow Island, Colombo 15, Director
Sri Lanka Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo
Tel: +94 717507838 8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Fax: +94 11521932 Tel: +66 76 391128
Fax: +66 76 391127
Thailand
Ms Mitila Pransilpa
Mr Amornthep Kemto 309 Moo1, Pak Nam Prasae, Klaeng,
Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo Rayong, 21170, Thailand
8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 391128 Ms Mookda Wongsrikaew
Fax: +66 76 391127 Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo
8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Mr Jenwit Thammavichan Tel: +66 76 391128
Department of Marine and Coastal Fax: +66 76 391127
Resources, Government Complex,
Building B, 6th Floor, Changwattana Road, Ms Natchapat Rakkarn
Laksi, Bangkok 10210 Thailand Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo
Ms Jiraporn Chareonwatanaporn Tel: +66 76 391128
Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo Fax: +66 76 391127
8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: Tel: +66 76 391128 Ms Nuttida Chanthasiri
Fax: +66 76 391127 Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo
Ms Jitraporn Phaksopa Tel: +66 76 391128
Lecturer Fax: +66 76 391127
Department of Marine Science, Faculty of
Fisheries, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam- Mr Peerapat Vongpattanakul
wongwan Rd., Lad Yao, Chatuchak, Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo
Bangkok 10900, Thailand 8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 391128
Annex II – page 3
Fax: +66 76 391127 Ms Vararin Vongpanich

Phuket Marine Biological Center,
Mr Phaothep Cherdsukjai 51 Moo 8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000,
Phuket Marine Biological Center, 51 Moo Thailand
8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand Tel: +66 76 391128
Tel: +66 76 391128 Fax: +66 76 391127
Fax: +66 76 391127
Ms Varintha Vasinamekhin
Mr Praderm Uttayarnmanee Marine Researcher
9 Moo 7, Nathung, Muang, Chumphon 51 Moo 8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000,
86000, Thailand Thailand
Tel: +66 76 391128
Ms Ratchanee Puttapreecha Fax: +66 76 391127
158 Moo 8, Pawong, Muang, Songkla,
90100, Thailand Mr Wichin Suebpala
Marine Biodiversity Research Group,
Mr Seelawut Damrongsiri Department of Biology, Faculty of Science,
Lecturer Ramkhamhaeng University, Huamark,
Institute of Environmental Research Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330,
Thailand Mr Yuttachai Suwannarat
Mr Somkiat Khokiattiwong 8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Marine Biodiversity Research Specialist Tel: +66 76 391128
Department of Marine and Coastal Fax: +66 76 391127
Resources, Government Complex,
Building B, 6th Floor, Changwattana Road, Vietnam
Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Mr Pham Huu Tam
Ms Suchana Chavanich Researcher
Lecturer Institute of Oceanography
Department of Marine Science, Faculty of 89 Street, Vinh Nguyen District, Nha Trang
Science, Chulalongkorn University, City, Khanh Hoa province, Viet Nam
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Mr Vo Tuan Linh Tran
Mr Supakij Suttiruengwong Researcher
Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Institute of Oceanography, Viet Nam
Technology, Silpakorn University, Academy of Science and Technology
Rachaman-ka nai rd., Muang, Nakhon 1 Cau Da St., Vinh Nguyen ward, Nha
Pathom, 73000, Thailand Trang City, Khanh Hoa, Viet Nam
Mr Supasit Boonpienphol Lecturers

8, Wichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand Ms Chengjun Sun
Tel: +66 76 391128 Senior Research Scientist
Fax: +66 76 391127 The First Institute of Oceanography, State
Oceanic Administration , No. 6 Xianxialing
Ms Thitima Niyomsilpchai Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266061,
Marine and Coastal Resources Research China,
and Development Center (The Upper Gulf Tel: +86 532 88963310
of Thailand) 120/1 Moo 6, Bangyaprak, Fax: +86 532 88963253
Muang, Samut Sakhon, 74000, Thailand
Annex II – page 4
Mr Daoji Li
Professor
State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and
Coastal Research, East China Normal
University, 3663 Zhongshan North Road,
Shanghai, 200062, China
Tel: +1 508 289 2333
Mr Huahong Shi
Professor
State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and
Coastal Research, East China Normal
University, 3663 Zhongshan North Road,
Shanghai, 200062, China
Mr Won Joon Shim

Principle Research Scientist
41 Jangmok-1-gil, Jangmok-myon,
Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea,
UNESCO/IOC Regional Office for the

Western Pacific (WESTPAC office)
Mr Wenxi Zhu
Head of IOC Regional Office for the
Western Pacific (WESTPAC Office)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission of UNESCO
c/o Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources, 9th Fl. Governmental Complex
B 120 Chaengwattana
Tel: +66 2 141 1287
Fax: +66 2 143 9245
Ms Orathai Pongruktham
Programme Officer
IOC Regional Office for the Western
Pacific (WESTPAC Office)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission of UNESCO
c/o Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources, 9th Fl. Governmental Complex
B 120 Chaengwattana
Tel: +66 2 141 1449
Fax: +66 2 143 9245
Annex III – page 1
ANNEX III
Proposed Pilot Sites and Matrix for WESTPAC Joint Microplastic Research and Monitoring Programme
Note: Pristine Site : limited human activities such as remote island or protected area
Moderate Site : such as small fishing village, beach outside the city or small scale aquaculture area
Populated Site : extensive human activities such as harbor and estuary
Beach Sediment Surface Water Marine Organism
Country MP Sample Class MP Sample Class MP Sample Class

Pilot Site Pilot Site Pilot Site
Class1 Class1 Class1
Class1 Class2 Class3 Class1 Class2 Class3
(1-5 mm) (300-1000 µm) (1- 300 µm)
Pristine A:
22°24'17.2"N, 91°24'35.1"E
Pristine B:
22°04'53.1"N, 91°2'28.3"E
Moderate A:
21°16'20.5"N, 92°2'52.4"E
Moderate B:
21°52'54.6"N, 91°50'47.4"E To be To be
Bangladesh
Populated A: determined determined
22°14'00.9"N, 91°47'33.9"E
Populated B:
22°11'34.7"N, 91°48'50.8"E
Populated C:
21°25'16.2"N, 91°58'33.7"E
Populated D:
20°38'7.1"N, 92°19'40.3"E
Country MP Sample Class Pilot Site MP Sample Class Pilot Site MP Sample Class
Pilot Site
(1-5 mm) (300-1000 µm) (1- 300 µm)
Pristine A:
21°28'48.0"N, 109°07'12.0"E
Pristine B:
19°33'0.0"N, 110°47'60.0"E
Moderate A:
39°55'48.0"N, 119°35'60.0"E To be To be
China
Moderate B: determined determined
37°31'12.0"N, 122°07'12.0"E
Populated A:
36°17'60.0"N, 120°22'12.0"E
Populated B:
31°11'60.00"N, 121°28'48"E,
Pristine A:
02°58'30.2"N, 105°44'17.5"E
Pristine B:
1°48'26.5"N, 117°56'48.6"E
Pristine C:
3°31'53.5"S, 128°22'31.7"E
Moderate A:
00°57'54.8"N, 104°38'45.6"E
Moderate B:
To be To be
Indonesia 06°57'42.3"S, 106°29'14.5"E
determined determined
Moderate C:
03°37'20.0"S, 128°17'36.2"E
Populated A:
03°39' 05.1"S,128°12'32.45"E
Populated B:
06°06'39.6"S, 106°51'19.0"E
Populated C:
03°39'31.7"S, 128°12'06.1"E
Country MP Sample Class Pilot Site MP Sample Class MP Sample Class

Pilot Site Pilot Site
(1-5 mm) (300-1000 µm) (1- 300 µm)
Pristine A:
37°46'41.3"N, 128°56'25.6"E
Pristine B:
37°04'18.4"N, 129°24'51.0"E
Moderate A:
34°29' 0.5"N, 127°21'22.7"E To be To be
Korea
34°26'8.0"N, 126°28'16.5"E
Populated A:
34°57'36.1"N, 128°42'54.1"E
Populated B:
34°46' 38.5"N, 127°44'41.5"E
Pristine A:
05°41'30.8"N, 102°41'55.0"E
Pristine B:
05°40'57.1"N, 102°42'51.3"E
Pristine C:
05°48'40.7"N, 100°17'47.9"E
Moderate A:
05°28'06.7"N, 103°01'49.4"E
Moderate B: To be To be
Malaysia
05°23'10.3"N, 103°06'58.9"E determined determined
Moderate C:
05°28'03.4"N, 100°11'59.4"E
Populated A:
05°20' 28.1"N, 100°15'52.9"E
Populated B:
05°18'34.2"N, 100°11'45.9"E
Populated C:
05°17'58.0"N, 100°11'04.6"E

MP Sample Class MP Sample Class MP Sample Class
Country
Pilot Site Class1 Class1 Class1 Pilot Site Pilot Site
(1-5 mm) (300-1000 µm) (1- 300 µm)
Pristine A:
14°06'26.7"N, 120°37'25.7"E
Pristine B:
13°49'15.4"N, 123°52'16.1"E
Moderate A:
14°26'41.9"N, 120°52'32.4"E To be To be
Philippines
14°25'30.6"N, 120° 51'47.1"E
Populated A:
14°28'40.9"N, 120°58'22.3"E
Populated B:
14°38'41.7"N, 120°56'57.5"E
Pristine A:
01°12' 55.8"N, 103°49'56.6"E
Pristine B:
01°13'28.9"N, 103°45'10.4"E
Moderate A:
01°24' 53.0"N, 103°55'06.9"E To be To be
Singapore
01°13'12.0"N, 103°50'54.2"E
Populated A:
01°17'53.4"N, 103°54'29.2"E
Populated B:
01°23'04.1"N, 104°00'06.0"E
Pristine A:
06°02'43.8"N, 80°51'05.1"E
Pristine B:
06°05'48.8"N, 80° 59' 31.0"E
Moderate A:
06°25'17.6"N, 79°59'05.5"E To be To be
Sri Lanka
06°26'45.0"N, 79°59'44.0"E
Populated A:
06°49' 3.3"N, 79°51'43.5"E
Populated B:
07°00'01.7"N, 79°52'03.4"E
Country MP Sample Class MP Sample Class MP Sample Class

Pilot Site Pilot Site Pilot Site
(1-5 mm) (300-1000 µm) (1- 300 µm)
Pristine A:
12°28'21.2"N, 102°03'09.1"E
Pristine B:
09°35'15.5"N, 99°12'29.8"E
Pristine C:
09°22'03.9"N, 98°23'44.8"E
Moderate A:
12°41'41.3"N, 99°57'50.7"E
Moderate B: To be To be
Thailand
10°11'20.0"N, 99°11'06.5"E determined determined
Moderate C:
6°53'56.8"N, 101°22'21.5"E
Populated A:
12°34'26.4"N, 100°56'01.7"E
Populated B:
11°46'17.9"N, 99°47'45.1"E
Populated C:
7°29'43.9"N, 99°19'35.5"E
Pristine A: To be determined
Pristine B: To be determined
Moderate A:
12°16'24.0"N, 109°12'12.4"E
To be To be
Vietnam Moderate B:To be determined determined determined
Populated A:
12°13'12.9"N, 109°12' 20.5" E
Populated B:
12°12' 26.5"N, 109°12' 55.4"E

WESTPAC Training Workshop On Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of Marine Microplastics in Asia and The Pacific

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WESTPAC Training Workshop On Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of Marine Microplastics in Asia and The Pacific

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Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

Workshop Report No.

WESTPAC Training Workshop on

WESTPAC Training Workshop on

For bibliographic purposes this document should be cited as follows:

WESTPAC Training Workshop on Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of Marine

1. OPENING AND SELF-INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1

2. SETTING THE SCENE AND CONDUCT OF THE WORKSHOP ................................. 1

3. KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS ..................................................................................... 2

3.1 GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION ....................................... 2

3.2 AN OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY PROTOCOL FOR MICROPLASTIC SAMPLING

3.3 MICROPLASTICS IN MARINE ORGANISMS............................................................... 4

3.4 METHODOLOGICAL LIMITATIONS FOR MICROPLASTIC QUANTIFICATION IN THE

4 COUNTRY REPORTS ON MICROPLASTIC STATUS AND TREND ........................... 6

4.1 BANGLADESH ............................................................................................................. 6

4.2 CHINA .......................................................................................................................... 7

4.3 INDONESIA .................................................................................................................. 7

4.4 REPUBLIC OF KOREA ................................................................................................ 7

4.5 MALAYSIA ................................................................................................................... 8

4.6 PHILIPPINES ............................................................................................................... 8

4.7 SINGAPORE ................................................................................................................ 9

4.8 SRI LANKA .................................................................................................................. 9

4.10 VIETNAM ................................................................................................................... 10

5. PLENARY DISCUSSION ON STEPS FORWARD BASED ON EXISTING NATIONAL

6. CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS ............................................................................ 12

II. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ............................................................................................. 1

Participants exchanged knowledge on marine microplastic status and its impacts,

In view of the need for future spatiotemporal comparisons of microplastic abundance

1. Opening and self-introduction

The WESTPAC Training Workshop on Distribution, Source, Fate and Impacts of

Somkiat Khokiattiwong, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR),

Kanittha Hanirattisai, Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education,

All participants were invited to give self-introduction on themselves. The list of

2. Setting the scene and conduct of the workshop

The Agenda of the workshop is attached as Annex I to this report.

3.1 Global assessment of microplastic pollution

He briefed on the definition of microplastics. Microplastics are defined as synthetic

He further shared a comprehensive review of over 100 publications of microplastic

3.2 An overview of methodology protocol for microplastic sampling and laboratory

She further briefed on approaches for microplastic research in marine organism. A

Responding to an enquiry concerning how to select study sites for microplastic

3.3 Microplastics in marine organisms

He outlined a step-by-step procedure for microplastic collection and digestion in marine

He further detailed studies of microplastics in marine organisms conducted by his

The presentation generated wide interests as microplastic pollution directly links to

3.4 Methodological limitations for microplastic quantification in the ocean:

Daoji Li gave a comprehensive and in depth review of methodology limitations for

He detailed advantages and disadvantages of microplastic sampling methods in

He further introduced the method for microplastic identification. It is necessary to purify

Microplastic identification techniques vary from simple visual identification to complex

4 Country reports on microplastic status and trend

4.4 Republic of Korea

Shim briefed the meeting on national microplastic research development in Korea

He concluded his presentation by highlighting the importance of regional scale study

It was suggested that an integrated approach of research collaboration, sharing of

4.8 Sri Lanka

Jayasiri Hewawasam Bentotage, National Aquatic Resources Research and

He introduced recent studies of microplastics initiated by NARA in 2017. Water off

Phaothep Cherdsukjai from PMBC, DMCR, Thailand, presented an overview of

He informed that Thailand applies an integrated approach to waste management by

5. Plenary discussion on steps forward based on existing national and regional

He encouraged that, despite existing disparity in capacity among countries, it indeed

Intensive and extensive discussions were aroused in plenary with pertinent