  Plastic pollution is one of the most challenging problems affecting the
marine environment of our time. Based on a unique dataset covering four
European seas and eight European countries, this paper adds to the limited
empirical evidence base related to the societal welfare effects of marine
litter management. We use a discrete choice experiment to elicit public
willingness-to-pay (WTP) for macro and micro plastic removal to achieve Good
Environmental Status across European seas as required by the European Marine
Strategy Framework Directive. Using a common valuation design and following
best-practice guidelines, we draw meaningful comparisons between countries,
seas and policy contexts. European citizens have strong preferences to improve
the environmental status of the marine environment by removing both micro and
macro plastic litter favouring a pan-European approach. However, public WTP
estimates differ significantly across European countries and seas. We explain
why and discuss implications for policymaking.
