Tecnologie ad alta risoluzione per il monitoraggio di rifiuti marini e rilevamento di effetti sugli ecosistemi marini protetti, verso un sistema di rilevamento rapido transfrontaliero
Programme: Interreg VI-A Italia-Malta
Duration: 02/05/2025 – 02/11/2027
Within the context of the Interreg V-A Italy-Malta cross-border cooperation programme, the TecMAReco project addresses the critical challenge of plastic pollution and marine litter threatening ecosystem health in the cross-border area between Sicily and Malta. The initiative focuses on integrating remote sensing and high-resolution in-situ monitoring systems to specifically identify waste accumulation and analyze its biological impact on Marine Protected Areas. The objective is to establish a shared early warning system between Italy and Malta by standardizing cross-border detection protocols from rivers to the sea. This is achieved through participatory citizen science approaches, the creation of a stakeholder network, and the testing of plastic reuse solutions, aiming for coordinated and timely governance of environmental emergencies.
Objectives
The project aims to develop a technological and methodological framework for early detection of marine litter and the protection of sensitive habitats. To achieve these goals, the initiative focuses on the following key points:
High-Resolution monitoring systems development: implementation of advanced optical and acoustic technologies (satellite sensors, drones, and ROVs) for detecting, mapping, and quantifying marine litter in marine protected areas and Natura 2000 sites;
Assessment of impacts on ecosystem functioning: in-depth study of the effects of waste-associated contaminants on marine organisms (bioindicators) and vulnerable habitats, to quantify the actual ecological damage;
Creation of a rapid detection (Early Warning) system: implementation of an Italo-Maltese cross-border platform for real-time data exchange, aimed at facilitating coordinated mitigation, reuse, and removal interventions among competent authorities;
Harmonization of protocols: standardization of sampling and analysis methodologies between Italian and Maltese partners to ensure data comparability and the creation of common guidelines for marine litter management (land-to-sea);
Technology transfer and awareness-raising: training of environmental agencies' technical staff and engagement of local stakeholders (fishermen, NGOs, and protected area managers) and citizens in citizen science and beach cleaning activities, for the sustainable and shared protection of marine heritage.
Coordinator: Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre
SZN Principal Investigators: Maria Cristina Mangano, Claudio Berti
Partners:
University of Malta, Malta
Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy
ARPA Sicilia - Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente, Italy
Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy
South Side s.r.l., Italy
Zibel ONG, Malta
Regione Siciliana - Dipartimento della Pesca Mediterranea, Italy
