Marine Litter
Marine litter is widespread and poses a threat to wildlife in and around the sea, and may also pose a risk to human health. Marine litter has recently gained significant attention and there is now a consensus for action. However, that requires more knowledge and a thorough understanding of this increasing global problem.
SALT maps quantities and transport of marine litter, and we identify sources and causes to litter ending up in nature. The knowledge we build is then transfered into concrete preventative measures or communicated to decisionmakers. We want to contribute to an efficient and knowledge-based monitoring of marine litter, and to be able to track changes over time. SALT also plays an important role in the development of new value chains for marine litter or plastic waste from maritime industries. Last, but not least, SALT is a key player in organising profsessional beach clean-ups in Norway.
Projects
Publications
News
Until the spring of 2028, SALT will be working on marine conservation and the restoration of marine habitats and ecosystems as part of a new international research project funded by the EU. The BLUE CONNECT project addresses the urgent need to protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems and to overcome gaps in the effective implementation of EU and global legislation by mobilizing the MPA managers, authorities, industries and local communities to co-develop and demonstrate a systematic approach to marine conservation planning and management. SALT will be participating in the project together with NIVA, while Raet National Park is highlighted as one of the example conservation areas.
The world's first-ever World Cleanup Day took place in Tromsø on September 20. This global event, established by the UN, will be celebrated annually to combat the urgent issue of mismanaged waste and pollution and to encourage worldwide participation in voluntary cleanup activities. The theme for this year's event at the Fram Centre was "Arctic cities and marine litter". Among the presentations was the work of "Rydd i Tide." Rydd i Tide is managed by SALT on behalf of the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund.