Core Viewpoint - The "Blue Cycle" model in Zhejiang addresses the global issue of marine plastic pollution through a collaborative mechanism involving government guidance, enterprise leadership, industry cooperation, and public participation, transforming fishermen from "marine exploiters" to "marine guardians" [1][5]. Group 1: Background and Challenges - Dachen Island, a national first-class fishing port and tourist destination, faced significant marine waste challenges, with each fishing boat generating an average of 500 kilograms of marine plastic waste annually [3][5]. - The island's remote location resulted in high costs for waste transportation, leading to a stagnation in waste management efforts [5]. Group 2: Implementation of the "Blue Cycle" Model - In 2019, the Zhejiang provincial government, in collaboration with Zhejiang Lanjing Technology Co., launched the "Blue Cycle" governance model to convert waste into wealth [5][7]. - The local government incentivized participation through a dual approach of "high-price recycling + public welfare jobs," encouraging residents to engage in marine waste collection [7]. Group 3: Community Engagement and Results - The initiative has fostered a growing awareness of marine protection among residents, with many actively participating in waste collection and even obtaining waste classification certificates [7]. - A total of 15 standardized marine waste collection points have been established in Taizhou, with the model being promoted to other cities like Ningbo and Zhoushan, engaging over 1,300 coastal residents in marine conservation efforts [7].

Core Viewpoint - The "Net Plastic from the Source" seminar aims to address marine plastic pollution through effective strategies and practices, focusing on source reduction and reusable models to enhance marine ecological protection [1] Group 1: Marine Plastic Pollution Initiatives - The "Net Plastic Nature Guarding Ocean" project targets remote beaches and islands in Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, and Zhejiang, organizing beach clean-up activities and community training to enhance environmental awareness [2] - From 2024 to 2025, the project plans to conduct 24 clean-up events, mobilizing over 1,500 volunteers to collect more than 4,200 kilograms of marine debris [2] - The project collaborates with local partners to amplify the impact of plastic reduction efforts and promote marine environmental protection [2][3] Group 2: Local Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing - A roundtable discussion highlighted local responses to global plastic pollution initiatives, sharing experiences from various organizations involved in marine protection [3] - Representatives discussed integrating local case studies into international narratives to strengthen grassroots voices in global negotiations [4] Group 3: Reusable Solutions and Economic Opportunities - The Ellen MacArthur Foundation emphasizes the importance of reuse in the circular economy, advocating for policies that promote reusable packaging [5] - The foundation notes that reuse is transitioning from niche to mainstream, with various brands adopting refillable and bulk sales models [5] - A case study on reusable cups in urban areas shows a 60% willingness among surveyed businesses to adopt this model, with a pilot project set to launch in August [6][8] Group 4: Sustainable Practices in Tourism - Qingping Island faces significant plastic waste challenges due to tourism, with over 30% of plastic waste from beverage packaging during peak seasons [10] - The local community is actively pursuing a "zero waste" approach, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development [10][11] - The integration of tourism and environmental protection aims to spread ecological awareness among visitors, fostering a culture of responsible travel [12]

Core Viewpoint - The research team from Central South University, in collaboration with other universities, has developed an innovative microbubble flotation technology for marine plastic pollution management, providing a new approach to tackle the growing issue of microplastic contamination in oceans [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study reveals a bidirectional regulatory mechanism of algal extracellular polymers in the microplastic flotation process, enhancing the stability of microbubbles and precisely regulating the surface characteristics of microplastics [1]. - Compared to conventional flotation methods, microbubble flotation shows potential due to its small size and high stability, although complex interfacial interactions in marine environments pose significant challenges [1][2]. - Algal extracellular polymers induce hydrophilization of microplastic surfaces, weakening the hydrophobic interactions between microplastics and microbubbles, which significantly reduces the efficiency of conventional flotation methods in removing microplastics from seawater [2]. Group 2: Implications for Technology - The findings provide new insights into interfacial interactions in marine microplastic flotation and establish a theoretical foundation for the application of microbubble flotation technology in addressing marine microplastic pollution [2].