Down to the river - The Italian monitoring of floating macro litter at the mouth of rivers, in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Preliminary investigation on the inputs of marine litter from rivers to the sea

As part of the agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and ISPRA, an investigation on riverine floating macro litter (>2.5 cm) in stations close to the sea was carried out. The project undertook the monitoring of 12 rivers flowing in the three sub-regions (Western Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean), defined by the Marine Strategy. Systematics visual surveys and GPS trackers were used to assess inputs from rivers to sea.

Results and information based on one-year preliminary survey, will be presented in Rome on 28 September 2023 as part of the Communication activities of the mentioned agreement.