Maria Cristina Fossi Biomarker Laboratory University of Siena

Transcription

1 The Plastic Busters Project: moving forward University of Siena, Aula Magna, Siena- Italy April 15, 2016 Maria Cristina Fossi Biomarker Laboratory University of Siena

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4 SDSN University of Siena

5 Microplastics pubblications

6 Microplastics and affiliation Source: Scopus, April 2016

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9 Why Plastic Busters? Can Plastic Affect Mediterranean Biodiversity?

10 Impact of Microplastics on marine organisms 1- transport of persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic (PBT) substances from plastics 2- leaching of additives from the plastics such as phthalates 3- physical harm (Wright, et al. 2013) 4- phatogens?

11 Marine Litter: a Global Challenge The main legal and institutional frameworks affecting the Mediterranean on this topic are: (1) Local Agendas 21; (2) national legislation on waste management and environmental protection; (3) the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols; (4) the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD); (5) MEDPOL of UNEP; (6) the EU Environmental Strategy for the Mediterranean and Horizon 2020; (7) the EU Marine Strategy Directive; (8) the EU Thematic strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste; (9) the IMO MARPOL 73/78 Convention Annex V; (10) the GPA and the Regional Seas Programme of UNEP; (11) the Basel Convention GAP There is a general lack of available data on marine wildlife affected by marine litter in the Mediterranean. UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention RAP on Marine litter in Mediterranean (Istanbul 2013)

12 Plastic Busters Story.

13 SDSN University of Siena

14 PLASTIC-BUSTERS 2013 SDSN-MED Flagship Project Evaluate the presence and effects of marine debris, particularly microplastics, in Mediterranean environment using marine organisms as sentinel species 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)

15 Microplastics effects on organisms? In the environment: Persistent Organic Pollutants Phthalates Bisphenol A... Measure of intake by organisms Effects at DNA level Effects at Protein level Effects at cellular level Levels of contaminats in organisms Measure of DNA damage Alteration of proteins and metabolism Alteration of cell functions

16 PLASTIC-BUSTERS Main activities in the Mediterranean within the PB Project - Monitoring MPs in Pelagos Sanctuary - Impact on Megafauna - Identification of Hot spot Areas Loggerhead turtle - Impact on Pelagic fish

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19 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

20 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

21 Plastic Busters main questions Is the Mediterranean sea affected by Plastics? -Biodiversity? -Ecosystem quality? -Economy? -Human Health? What are the main governance and mitigation measures to be implemented?

22 Plastic Busters Objectives 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 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, reduce Identify concentration areas and remove marine litter; c) actions to enhance the awareness of stakeholders and catalyze change in their perceptions and attitudes towards waste.

23 Promoters Lead promoter: University of Siena (SDSN - MED Solutions) (IT) 15 Partners 7 Countries Project promoters have a strong and inter-complementary set of skills and experience which are key for the success of the project UNEP/MAP with its network MEDPOL designated monitoring laboratories MIO-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 Countries Involved Algeria, Croatia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Palestine, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia

24 WP2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION WP3 DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS WP4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL PLAN WP5 AWARENESS RAISING AND EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WP1 COORDINATES AND MANAGES THE ACTIVITIES IN THE PROJECT

25 WP1 COORDINATES AND MANAGES THE ACTIVITIES IN THE PROJECT This work package aims to coordinates and manages the activities in the project, and deals with the monitoring and sustainability aspects (WPL: University of Siena SDSN-MED, MIO) The project will be governed according to the following structures: -Steering Committee (SC) -Project Manager (PM) -Work Package Leaders (WPLs) - Task Leaders (TLs)

26 WP2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION ) The main objective of this WP is to address the main information gaps with regards to marine litter at a Mediterranean scale, to evaluate the presence, transport and accumulation paths and effects of marine debris, while using marine organisms as sentinel species and applying a new integrated multidisciplinary modeling and monitoring tool Monitoring the presence and effects of plastic debris in marine ecosystems (Task Leader: University of Siena SDSN-MED, Ifremer and UNEP/MAP MEDPOL designated laboratories) 2.2- Plastic debris accumulation areas and their variability using information mapping (Task Leader: SOCIB) 2.3- Detecting the effects of marine litter on marine trophic webs and fishery resources (Task Leader: ISPRA) 2.4 Investigating the impacts of plastics on human health (Task Leader: SDSN-MED)

27 Plastic Busters WP2 main questions MSFD Technical Group Marine Litter Palermo 6-7 April 2016 Main UNEP/MAP Questions on Marine Litter Indicators - Trends in the amount of litter in the water column including Microplastics and on the seafloor (EO10) - Candidate Indicators: trends in the amount of litter ingested by or entangling marine organisms focusing on selected mammals, marine birds and marine turtles (EO10)

28 Plastic Busters WP2 main questions MSFD Technical Group Marine Litter Palermo 6-7 April 2016 Main EU questions TG Litter D10 -TG Litter considering harm in the sense of Galgani et al 2013 (i.e. including harm to environment, human health and socio-economics)? - If so, refer to harm or other pollution effects to ensure that human health and other socio-economics aspects can be addressed? - What is the most appropriate matrix for micro-litter? - What unit of measurement for litter in biota?

29 ) 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 2 - Monitoring the presence and effects of plastic debris in marine ecosystems (sampling expedition) - GIS Mapping (Hot Spots) 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

30 Plastic Busters Expedition and Vessels Available Vessels Subregional cruises in south Med supported by local Institutions Geo-political situation! Astrea - Lighea Minerva - Dalla Porta Pelagos

31 WP 2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION 2.1- MONITORING THE PRESENCE AND EFFECTS OF PLASTIC DEBRIS IN MARINE ECOSYSTEMS Leaded by University of Siena SDSN MED In collaboration with: Ifremer; Unep/Map Medpol/ Sousse University, IWRS, CNR, Ispra, HCMR Activity in WP Setp up a network of marine litter experts in order to develop an harmonized monitoring methodology (UNEP/MAP Laboratories) Twelve months sampling cruises in the Mediterranean sea (using several scientific vessels) with 18 stop over in Med countries Analysis of the survey of macro-debris during the expeditions Analysis of the collected micro-debris samples during the expeditions Analysis of MPs, contaminant and biomarkers in the collected sentinel organisms during the expeditions Report of the results on the presence and effects of plastic debris on marine ecosystems addressing the main information gaps (for WP4)

32 Plastics presence and effects on indicators In the environment: Persistent Organic Pollutants Phthalates Bisphenol A... Measure of intake by organisms Effects at DNA level Effects at Protein level Effects at cellular level Levels of contaminats in organisms Measure of DNA damage Alteration of proteins and metabolism Alteration of cell functions

33 WP 2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION 2.2 PLASTIC DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AREAS AND THEIR VARIABILITY INFORMATION MAPPING Leaded by SOCIB In collaboration with: University of Siena, Ifremer, LaMMA-CNR Activity in WP Identification of plastic debris accumulation hotspots by models and oceanographic observations Determination of indicators of macrolitter and microplastics Multi-layers Mapping of marine litter accumulation areas and presence of key species

34 WP 2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION 2.3 DETECTING THE EFFECTS OF MARINE LITTER ON MARINE TROPHIC WEBS AND FISHERY RESOURCES Leaded by ISPRA In collaboration with: University of Siena, HCMR Activity in WP Report on effects of plastic litter on fish resource and fishing activity Analysis of social-economical impact of marine litter on coastal community in the Mediterranean Analysis of economic consequences to catch decrease and stock reduction related to marine litter Analysis of influence of marine litter on habitat use and loss for other marine species

35 WP 2 INFORMATION GAPS AND DATA COLLECTION 2.4. INVESTIGATING THE IMPACTS OF PLASTICS ON HUMAN HEALTH Leaded by SDSN MED In collaboration with: University of Siena, ISPRA, CNR Activity in WP Identification of pathogens in microplastics Sampling and analysis of seafood and human blood to compare exposed and not-exposed seafood consumers from 5 different communities Report on effects of marine litter in the human food chain

36 WP3 DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ) The goal of this work package is to showcase specific prevention and mitigation measures/actions (outlined in the UNEP/MAP Regional Plan on Marine litter Management in the Mediterranean under article 9 and 10) aiming to reduce the input and impacts of marine litter in the Mediterranean coastal and marine environment. 3.1 Single - use plastic bags reduction (Task Leader: MIO-ECSDE) 3.2 Deposit refund systems for beverage packaging (Task Leader: MIO-ECSDE). 3.3 Fishing for litter, targeted recovery of ghost nets & derelict fishing gear management (Task Leader: Consorzio Mediterraneo). 3.4 Circular economy approach turning plastic marine litter into products (Task Leader: ECNC Land & Sea Group). 3.5 The no-special-fee system (Task Leader: MIO-ECSDE). 3.6 Bioremediation and biodegradation process on plastics (Task Leader: UniBO).

37 WP4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL PLAN The goal of this work package based on the results of wp2 and wp3, is to assesses the status of the implementation of the regional plan at national, sub-regional and regional level, indentifies, and prioritizes as appropriate additional prevention and mitigation measures to tackle marine litter in the region

38 WP5 AWARENESS RAISING AND EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT This work package aims at enhancing the awareness and understanding of stakeholders on the different measures to tackle marine litter, promote appropriate decisions and necessary action towards implementing them. Furthermore, within this component educational activities targeted to youth and educators will be implemented. Key to the component s activities will be the strong synergies built with two cutting edge projects the Mediterranea Project and the MARLISCO project Floating platform - Awareness raising activities targeted to marine litter stakeholders (Task Leader: Fispmed- Mediterranea Project ) 5.2. Tailor-made marine litter stakeholder approaches and campaigns (Task Leader: the ECNC Land & Sea Group) 5.3. Educational activities targeted to youth & educators (Task Leader: MIO-ECSDE)

39 Expected Results A comprehensive assessment of the status (amounts, composition, and impacts on marine species & human health) of marine litter in the different environmental compartments of the Mediterranean Sea; a GIS database connected to and/or in synergy with other initiatives to contribute to UNEP/MAP data bank on Marine litter. Select several marine organisms as sentinel species and applying a new integrated multidisciplinary monitoring tool. Realize a hotspot analysis/mapping of marine litter accumulation areas in the Mediterranean based on ocean currents and convergence areas (state of the art modeling and satellite based tools), to support the development and implementation of targeted marine litter management measures in the most affected sites. A set of comprehensive recommendations developed based on sound scientific evidence and findings to facilitate effective policymaking at regional, national, local levels with regards to the prevention, reduction and removal of marine litter at the Mediterranean Sea. Strengthened involvement and participation of regional marine litter experts in the development and/or application of harmonized monitoring methods and enhanced ownership of the assessment results a network of partners and marine litter experts established under the umbrella of SDSN and UNEP/MAP (UN). At least 10 demonstration projects showcasing specific prevention and mitigation actions to prevent, reduce and remove marine litter at the Mediterranean Sea such as fishing for litter, collecting fishing ghost nets, setting up deposit schemes, to be implemented in a basin scale. A comprehensive assessment of the status of implementation of the Regional Plan and a package of updated measures to fully tackle marine litter towards a litter free Mediterranean Awareness campaigns carried out in at least 15 countries of the Mediterranean aiming to promote co-responsibility of all stakeholders towards tackling marine litter.

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41 Reinforce Network Fund Raising strategy New Partners Next Meeting Web Site

42 Acknowledgements Supported by