Fishing for litter in Liguria

Positive impact generated

Context

Although the Mediterranean accounts for just 1% of the planet’s waters, it holds around 4% of all marine plastic, making it one of the ecosystems most at risk from pollution.

The Mediterranean, with an estimated 1.25 million plastic fragments per km², is among the world’s major pollution hotspots. Plastic waste harms marine habitats and threatens thousands of species through suffocation, ingestion, and disruption of ecological systems. It also undermines the quality of fish stocks, putting pressure on local fishing communities. To tackle this crisis, the project engages fishing cooperatives in the systematic removal of marine litter.

Gallery

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Italia Liguria 1 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Italia Liguria 2 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Italia Liguria 3 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Italia Liguria 4 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Italia Liguria 5 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

In Santa Margherita, Fiumicino, and Salerno, Ogyre partners with fishing cooperatives by offering financial incentives to collect marine litter. With the support of technical and institutional partners, the waste is tracked and safely disposed of. This initiative not only enhances local environmental conditions but also creates new economic opportunities for communities.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The goal is to remove plastic waste from the Mediterranean, reducing pressure on marine ecosystems and improving the quality of life of coastal communities.

The project aims to lower plastic concentrations in the Mediterranean, safeguard marine biodiversity, and offer economic support to participating fishers. It also focuses on raising local awareness of marine pollution and fostering sustainable practices within coastal communities.

The project works by involving fishers in removing plastic as part of their daily fishing routines, offering incentives that link environmental protection with economic benefits. Waste is safely managed to reduce harm to ecosystems, and the initiative is designed to serve as a model that can be replicated along other Italian coastlines.