MARINE INSTITUTE HOSTS PAN-EUROPEAN MICROPLASTICS MEETING

Marine Institute hosts pan-European microplastics meeting. The Joint Action ‘Ecological Aspects of Microplastics’ was launched as one of JPI Oceans’ pilot activities to study the sources, distribution and impact of microplastics in the marine environment.

Since 2014, fifteen European countries and Brazil have committed 18.2 million Euro for 10 pan-European research projects on the ecological aspects of microplastics in the marine environment under the framework of JPI Oceans.  Within the second call, six projects were selected for funding and started their work in 2020.

As we reach the end of the three-year term of the projects, the teams’ leading these endeavours will unveil their findings on 14 and 15 September 2023 in the Marine Institute in Galway.

Dr Niall McDonough, Chair of JPI Oceans and Director of Policy Innovation and Research Support Services at the Marine Institute, said that:

“This forum provides an important opportunity for scientists, policymakers, and research funders to discuss and learn from the research outcomes from these ten marine microplastics projects. The assembly serves as a bridge to other European initiatives like the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 and the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy. We are hoping to agree on how to best communicate these results to decision-makers and stakeholders and to ensure tangible, lasting impact.”

A highlight of the meeting, in partnership with the Plastic Pirates go Europe! campaign, is a microplastics sampling exercise along the beautiful shores of Galway Bay, allowing hands on participation amongst attendees.

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