Ostend (2020.08.19) – Anno 2010, 0.17% of the global ocean surface layer is impacted by microplastic pollution, posing a threat to the marine ecosystem. Under the worst case scenario, this fraction will increase to 1.62% of the ocean surface layer by 2100, an area as big as ten times the size of France. In particular, the Mediterranean Sea and the Yellow Sea, two enclosed basins facing high human pressure, are under serious threat. In the worst case, by 2100, 69% of the water surface of the Mediterranean and 54% of the water surface of the Yellow Sea will show unfavourable conditions for marine life due to the pollution with microplastics.