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 Points - The Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress approved the "Taizhou Marine Plastic Waste Management Regulations," which will take effect on October 1, 2023, marking the first local regulation in China for marine plastic waste management [1] - The "Blue Circular" governance model aims to address global challenges related to marine plastic waste collection, disposal costs, and low recycling rates by creating a comprehensive chain from market-based waste collection to high-value resource utilization [1] - The "Blue Circular" model has been recognized with the United Nations' highest environmental honor, the "Earth Guardian Award," and has achieved full coverage in 25 coastal counties in Zhejiang, collecting approximately 58,800 tons of marine plastic waste [1] - The model has significantly reduced carbon emissions by approximately 12,500 tons, with discarded fishing nets and gear accounting for 92.04% of the collected waste [1] Regulatory Framework - The regulations establish principles of government leadership, market participation, industrial collaboration, and multi-party governance, enhancing the marine sanitation system and standardizing the entire waste management chain [2] - The regulations propose a reward mechanism for collecting marine plastic waste and encourage companies to pay above-market wages for labor or the purchase of marine plastic waste to promote ecological prosperity [2] - The regulations support recycling companies in implementing full-process traceability and achieving high-value utilization of marine plastic waste through international certification and carbon labeling [2] - Local governments are encouraged to provide financial support for low-value utilization projects, and the management of other recyclable marine waste materials like metals, glass, and rubber will follow similar regulations [2]