Quantify the current and projected scale of plastic accumulation in marine ecosystems, assess the economic feasibility of removal technologies (ocean cleanup systems, microplastic capture), and identify the primary cost and deployment barriers to achieving net-positive ocean health by 2050.

Meta-analysis of published peer-reviewed studies on ocean plastic sources, circulation patterns, removal technology efficacy, and cost curves. Cross-validation with industry reports from ocean cleanup startups and UN UNEP assessments.

Current ocean plastic removal capacity is <0.01% of annual input (~8M tons/year). Ocean cleanup technologies cost $5000-50000 per ton removed. Scalability limited by energy requirements, vessel logistics, and financing. Economic model shows break-even only with commodity value creation (plastic-to-fuel) or policy mandates.