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.
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Fifty European researchers, along with nearly as many engaged local residents, joined when SALT and NIVA invited to a boat trip in Raet this week! The occasion was the general assembly of the joint European Blue Connect Project, which focuses on the effective and equitable conservation of marine protected areas.
Steadily guided by Trygve Nordgaard from the Raet National Park Visitor Center, the trip offered wind in the hair, glimpses of sunshine, and lively discussions aboard the M/S Øya. The goal of the trip was to share knowledge and experiences about marine protected areas – with Raet being one of 12 European protected areas included in the project.
We are present at "Blått Kompass" during Ocean Week in Tromsø. Audun and Victoria from our Tromsø office are attending the conference, which is held annually by UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic to mark the UN’s World Oceans Day on June 8.
– This is where people, sectors, and industries necessary to find sustainable solutions are brought together, said Director Sigri Stokke Nilsen from the Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic during the opening session of this year’s conference.
For SALT, Ocean Week has also provided an opportunity to discuss measures to save the blue forests beneath the sea, in an event hosted by the Centre for the Ocean and the Arctic and Marine Spark X. Marine biologist Victoria Eggen took part in the discussion on solutions to save our kelp forests.