Like larger litter, microplastics also pose a threat to the marine environment
Researchers from the University of Siena, who are on board the Astrea research vessel together with ISPRA researchers, as part of the Mo.Ri.net project, are monitoring the presence of microplastics both on the sea surface and on the water column.
The Mo.Ri.net project (Monitoring, census, removal and recycling of ghost nets: fishermen as key players in the safeguard of the sea) aims to make a tangible contribution to solving the problem of floating waste deposited on the seabed, responsible for a direct environmental impact on the ecosystem and protected habitats and species.
The project is carried out both inside and outside the protected marine areas of the island of Asinara and Capo Carbonara. The primary objective is to restore compromised marine habitats through concrete waste removal actions (plastic waste, ghost nets, lost or abandoned fishing gear), actively involving fishermen and raising awareness on the issue through dissemination and dissemination activities.
ISPRA is leader of the project.