Importance of the problem of marine waste in the Ligurian marine ecosystem

Ligurian coast ecosystem is particularly rich and diversified and the presence of waste along the coast and on the seabed is likely to have a negative impact and jeopardize its environmental and touristic value. As we all know the issues related to solid waste in marine environment has emerged in the last decade. Aside from the negative aspects related to aesthetic disfigurement of the seascape, the research conducted in recent years highlighted the negative consequences related to a physical effect on marine organisms (the so-called entanglement, also determined by the presence of ghost nets) but also as a consequence of the presence of chemicals and plastic materials.

For this reason, the European Commission has identified solid waste as one of environmental quality indicators in the context of the Marine Strategy (European Framework Directive 2008/56 / EC).