The project “Proposal for the Use of Earth Observation Data as a National Plastic Indicator” was commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency to summarize the current state of knowledge in Europe regarding existing methodologies for monitoring floating plastic accumulations using remote sensing. In addition, the project evaluates and provides recommendations for designing a national indicator by applying such methodologies to study and monitor plastic accumulations over time in Norwegian waters.

The national indicator will contribute data in line with Indicator 14.1.1.b as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on measuring the density of plastic waste in coastal areas, and is part of broader efforts to monitor and reduce marine pollution.
The project was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, led by SALT with contributions from NGI.

Would you like to listen to an AI-generated podcast about the project?
[Click here to download the audio file]