Estimation, monitoring and reduction of plastic pollutants in Latvian-Lithuanian coastal area via innovative tools and awareness raising (ESMIC)

Estimation, monitoring and reduction of plastic pollutants in Latvian-Lithuanian coastal area via innovative tools and awareness raising (ESMIC)

The aim of the Interreg V-A 2014-2020 Latvian-Lithuanian project LLI-525 “Estimation, monitoring and reduction of plastic pollutants in Latvian-Lithuanian coastal area via innovative tools and awareness raising (ESMIC)” is to develop a sustainable, cost-effective system for the identification, monitoring and management of plastic marine litter in the region, sea and on the coast. The absence of physical coastal borders between Latvia and Lithuania means that actions taken in one country can affect the other. Plastic that accumulates in algal deposits on shore or in water could be an important resource for plastic pollution and mitigation efforts. In addition, transboundary activities in the study of micro-organisms on plastic can improve the environmental monitoring of local bathing areas.

One of the tasks of the project is to connect remote identification methods (observations from space and drones) with the study of marine litter in such areas and to recommend a unified and effective approach, from monitoring marine polluting waste to management, which could be used by municipalities or state institutions in Lithuania and in Latvia.

Within the framework of the project, activities were carried out with the aim of promoting public environmental awareness, both by informing the public about the problem of marine litter and by working directly with stakeholders in the development and implementation of solutions.

Project activities

• Develop a system for the improvement and integration of monitoring and management solutions of plastic marine litter in nature areas;
• Develop a methodology for collecting samples of marine microlitter (less than 5mm) in the Baltic Sea and coastal areas in order to assess the potential of macrophyte algae as potential concentrators;
• Develop guidelines for assessment, monitoring and reduction of plastic marine litter;
• Develop and improve joint cooperation for a clean environment, involving stakeholders, incl. within the framework of the project, organizing awareness-raising events for interested parties, promoting cooperation and exchange of experience, as well as motivating interested parties to be more actively involved in measures to reduce marine litter (surveys, seminars for interested parties, implementation of action plans for reducing marine litter).

Project partners

• Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
• Klaipeda University
• Klaipeda Science and Technology Park
• FEE Latvia

Projekta reports

Framework to improve and integrate plastic litter monitoring and management solutions in natural territories:

• Overview of the Project activities
• Methodology for fast screening of with plastic associated pathogenic microorganisms
• Report on the pathogenic organisms associated with plastic pollutants

Guidelines for cost effective estimation monitoring and reduction measures of plastic litter and its associated hazards from coastal and marine environment:

• Report on assessment testing results
• Implementation guideline of plastic litter monitoring and management related to algal wracks/scums

Developed and improved joint cooperation for clean environment by engaging the stakeholders:

• Overview of the Project activities
• Model action plan for marine litter mitigation