Marine litter in Mediterranean SeaMaria Cristina Fossi

Biomarker Laboratory – University of SienaFossi@unisi.it

ISCN Conference University of Siena, Aula Magna, Siena, Italy

June 14, 2016

Plastic debris into five ocean gyres

Why Plastic Busters?

Can Plastic AffectMediterranean Biodiversity?

2013 SDSN-MEDFlagship project

Plastic Busters Story….

2014 UfM Preparation

2016 UfM Labelling

Impact of Microplastics on marine organisms1- transport of persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic (PBT) substances from plastics2- leaching of additives from the plastics such as phthalates3- physical harm (Wright, et al. 2013)4- phatogens ?

Microplastics

2013 SDSN-MEDFlagship project

SDSN – University of Siena

Evaluate the presence and effects of marine debris, particularly microplastics, in Mediterranean environment using

marine organisms as sentinel species

PLASTIC-BUSTERS 2013SDSN-MED Flagship Project

Mitigate and reduce the impact of marine litter in

the Mediterranean Sea

Harmonize monitoring and

mitigation activities in the entire basin

Implementation of Descriptor 10 (marine

litter) of the EU Marine Strategy Framework

Directive (MSFD)

2014 project UfM preparation

A crucial aspect of the marine litter issue, underlined by the Barcelona Convention within the Regional Plan for Marine Litter (Istanbul 2013) is that :

"Marine pollution knows no border, pollution in one country affects all other 21 countries, hence there is a need for a regional approach”

Thunnus albacares

7 Plastic debris

Plastic have no border!

Plastic Busters on basin scale

Plastic Busters is the first project at basin scale that binds the Southern and

Northern Mediterranean countries on the issue of Marine Litter

The project will enable to assess the amount, sources, pathways, distribution convergence areas and effects of marine litter (in indicator organisms), and mitigate

and reduce the impact of marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Plastic Busters project is strongly linked to Ecological Objective 10 (Marine Litter) of the UNEP/MAP Ecosystem Approach and Descriptor 10 (Marine Litter) of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive: monitoring and reducing the presence and

impact of marine litter in the marine environment to reach GES by 2020.

The main objectives and activities focus on:

a) addressing the marine litter related knowledge gaps via monitoring; harmonized methods (UNEP/MAP laboratories)

b) developing and implementing concrete actions to prevent, reduceIdentify concentration areas and remove marine litter;

c) actions to enhance the awareness of stakeholders and catalyze change in their perceptions and attitudes towards waste.

Plastic Busters Objectives

Lead promoter: University of Siena (SDSN - MED Solutions) (IT)15 Partners7 Countries

UNEP/MAP with its network MEDPOL designated monitoring laboratoriesMIO-ECSDE, Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (GR)IFREMER, Institut Français de Recherche Pour L'Exploitation de la Mer (FR)SOCIB, Balearic Islands Coastal Ocean Observing and Forecasting System (ES)ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (IT)Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, University of Sousse (TN)IWRS, Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia (SI)CNR, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Consorzio Lamma (IT)HCMR, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (GR)ISOTECH (CY) Consorzio Mediterraneo (IT)ECNC Land & Sea Group (ES)University of Bologna (IT)FispMed

Promoters

Countries InvolvedAlgeria, Croatia, France, Greece,

Israel, Italy, Palestine,Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia

Project promoters have a strong and inter-complementary set of skills and experience which are key for the success of the project

WP2INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA

COLLECTION

WP3DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

WP4IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL PLAN

WP5AWARENESS RAISING AND

EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

WP1 COORDINATES AND MANAGES THE ACTIVITIES IN THE PROJECT

2016 UfM Labelling

WP2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION

STRATEGIC STEPS

)

STEP1 – Model-based prediction of plastic debris accumulation areas to design sampling activities, using information mapping

STEP 3 - Detecting the effects of marine litter on marine trophic webs and fishery resources

STEP 4 - Investigating the impacts of plastics on human health

STEP 2 - Monitoring the presence and effects of plastic debris in marine ecosystems (sampling expedition) - GIS Mapping (Hot Spots)

WP3- Turning plastic marine litter into products (Task Leader: ECNC Land & Sea Group)

Lead UNEP/MAPUNEP/MAP ECAP Indicators

1.Trends in the amount of litter washed ashore and/or deposited on coastlines (including analysis of its composition, spatial distribution and, where possible, source.) (EO10);

2. Trends in the amount of litter in the water column including microplastics and on the seafloor (EO10);

3. Candidate Indicator: Trends in the amount of litter ingested by or entangling marine organisms focusing on selected mammals, marine birds and marine turtles (EO10);

WP4- Implementation of the Regional Plan

Youth as powerful agents of change in society, not only because they represent the next generation of consumers and decision ‐

makers but often they can inspire and influence directly the behaviour of their

families and even their close communities.

WP5- Educational activities targeted to youth & educators (Task Leader: MIO-ECSDE)

Educators Students

http://www.plasticbusters.wp.unisi.it/

Plastic Busters Peoples

Foto gruppo 14!

Acknowledgements

Thank you for your attention!

Siena