Ensuring clean and healthy oceans is a key priority for the Norwegian Government.The Government is stepping up its efforts to reduce the amount of microplastics ending up in the ocean and intends to target the most important sources of this kind of pollution. Measures are now being developed in cooperation with relevant governmental bodies and in dialogue with relevant stakeholders. The main focus will be on land-based sources of microplastics including wear and tear of car tires, artificial turf, paint and textiles. Concrete measures towards the difference sources are being examined and considered.

The Government is also exploring the potential for extended producer responsibilities for certain product groups. Since fishing gear and other forms of plastic equipment used in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are among the sources that contribute to marine littering in Norway and regionally, extended producer responsibility schemes for these product groups are now being considered.