For many people, the sea and its associated coastlines hold a special place in their hearts. It is a means of earning a living; for others, it is a place to relax and reconnect to the world we all share.
However, these environments are threatened by plastic pollution. We can all probably relate to the unsightly experience of seeing more and more plastic bottles and rubbish washing up on the beach. Still, the effects of plastics extend further under the water’s surface; as this refuse breaks down into microplastics, it accumulates in the environment. But what are the impacts of microplastic pollution on our marine ecosystems?
SeaPaCS set out to answer this question by working with the local fishing, commercial sailing, and tourism communities, as well as residents of the coastal city of Anzio (Italy) on the Mediterranean Sea.
Their work combines natural and social science research by engaging with multiple citizen groups (migrant fishermen cooperatives, students, associations, sailors and divers, scientists, video makers and photographers). Through this, they are collecting first-hand accounts of the observed impacts of micro-plastic as well as bringing these communities together to provide training on how to collect data on the impacts of micro-plastics on marine environments.
Using what they have learnt, these citizen groups are then invited to take part in data collection expeditions in the Mediterranean Sea and actively participate in all areas of the project, including public engagement activities, data collection and analysis, and contributing to drafting a plan for sustainability-oriented practices to help reduce the inflow of plastics into our seas and oceans. By doing this, SeaPaCS is providing a platform for the people of Anzio to become more informed and play a role in protecting the environment they love.
The SeaPaCS project has been part of the IMPETUS story since the very beginning, as it was part of the 2023 IMPETUS accelerator programme. We are so proud to see this project flourish and be recognised for its great work by receiving the Diversity and Communities Award at the 2024 European Prize for Citizen Science.
In this very special IMPETUS Interview, we take a deep dive into their work with SeaPaCS coordinator Chiara Certomà.
Watch the full interview here:
Credits:
Giuseppe Lupinacci provided photos, and Federico Fornaro filmed the video clips.
