The leakage of plastic waste into the environment is a growing global concern. Without intervention, the flowlows of plastic waste in the ocean will continue to increase. Marine plastic debris can have adverse effects on the delivery of ecosystem services and cause direct damage to industries such as fisheries, shipping and tourism, with resulting impacts on the economy. This study provides a preliminary estimate of the costs associated with the effects of plastic pollution on ecosystem services, direct damage to affected industries, and clean-up costs, as well as an overall estimate of the economic impact of marine plastic debris in South Africa.