Atlantic Plastics 2026: Updated Programme Now Available

Published: 01 September 2026

The second draft programme for Atlantic Plastics 2026 is now available, offering a closer look at the sessions, speakers and discussions planned for the Third International Symposium on Marine Plastic Pollution. The symposium will take place at Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland, from 20–22 October 2026.

Atlantic Plastics 2026 flyer

Marine plastic pollution is a growing global challenge, with impacts reaching from coastal communities to remote Arctic waters. As plastics move across ocean basins and through marine ecosystems, addressing the problem requires stronger scientific cooperation, better monitoring and coordinated action across regions. Held under the theme “Arctic to the Antarctic,” Atlantic Plastics 2026 will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, organisations and professionals working across marine science, environmental protection, sustainability and ocean governance.

The symposium provides an international platform to share current research, exchange experience and discuss practical responses to marine plastic pollution. Across three days, participants will have the opportunity to connect with experts from different countries and sectors while exploring how scientific knowledge can support more effective policies and solutions.

A programme connecting science, policy and action

The updated programme covers six main areas:

Innovative plastic pollution monitoring and assessment across multiple scales
Modelling sources, pathways and fate of plastics in the environment
Assessing the impacts of plastic pollution
Circular economy, innovation and industry solutions
Mitigation, management and restoration
Science–policy interface and capacity building

The symposium will open on 20 October with welcoming remarks and keynote contributions, followed by sessions focusing on monitoring technologies and the sources, movement and fate of plastics in marine and coastal environments.

On 21 October, discussions will turn to the environmental and societal impacts of plastic pollution, circular economy approaches, industry solutions, mitigation and restoration, as well as the role of science in informing policy and strengthening capacity.

The final day, 22 October, will bring together the main findings and messages emerging from the symposium, with a focus on cooperation, practical solutions and the next steps needed to address marine plastic pollution across regions.

An opportunity to connect with the international marine plastics community

Atlantic Plastics 2026 is designed not only as a forum for presenting research, but also as a meeting point for people working on different aspects of the plastic pollution challenge.

For researchers, environmental professionals, policymakers, organisations and industry representatives, the symposium offers an opportunity to exchange knowledge, develop new connections and follow current developments in marine plastic pollution research and management .

The international scope of the event, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, also creates space to compare experiences from different regions and consider how local knowledge, scientific research and policy can work together.

Atlantic Plastics 2026 timeline

Atlantic Plastics 2026 key dates

Preparations for the symposium began with the launch of the website and early-bird registration on 15 December 2025, followed by the call for abstracts on 10 January 2026.

The abstract submission period closed on 31 March, and the first draft programme was published on 31 May. Early-bird registration remained available until 15 July.

The next key deadline is now approaching:

12 October 2026 — Registration closes

The symposium will then take place from 20–22 October 2026 at Harpa Conference Centre in Reykjavík.

With the updated programme now available and registration open until 12 October, researchers, policymakers, environmental professionals, organisations and industry representatives interested in marine pollution, Arctic and ocean research, environmental policy and practical solutions are encouraged to explore the programme and register for Atlantic Plastics 2026.

Photo: Atlantic Plastics 2026