Marine waste including, plastics, is present in all the world's seas. It is therefore very important to raise awareness of the potential environmental consequences of marine waste and plastics, as it negatively affects the quality of the marine environment, the economy, public health and safety. In Croatia, marine waste is an issue that has been dicussed for more than 15 years, but there is a lack of readiness to deal with this serious problem, lack of administrative coordination, financial resources, technological solutions as well as poor implementation of existing waste management, legislation. Since Croatia is a country which earns high income from tourism, the author believes it is important to stimulate people's awarenes, so that they can understand all the dangers of waste that is not properly disposed of, and the harm for the entire ecosystem and humans. For all the waste found in the sea, the blame is solely on humans for their negligence and carelessness that pose threat to himself and to others as well as to coming generations. Cleaning the beaches is necessary in order to mitigate the damage that is already incurred, but it is wasteful business unless the use of plastics is reduced.