Knowledge measures

Standardise monitoring protocols and characterization of marine litter derived from aquaculture facilities at an international level

Data quantification on marine debris Data quantification on marine debris

Original photo: Nick Sarvari Original photo: Nick Sarvari

Relevant type of aquaculture:

Fish Shellfish Seaweed

Relevant sea basin:

Mediterranean

Relevant stage:

Monitoring and quantification

Related Barriers:

  • There is a lack of knowledge to identify aquaculture items in marine litter collections.

  • There is a lack of monitoring systems for marine litter and for non-organic marine litter from aquaculture activities specifically.

  • There is a lack of specific data related to material losses from aquaculture activities.

  • There is a lack of specific information on the impact of marine litter from the aquaculture sector to showcase the problem.

  • The standardised forms used at a European level to collect information about the floating marine litter and the debris located on the seafloor are not complete or updated as they lack item categories that are frequently found in the Mediterranean Sea.

Related Good Practice:

M&Q GP4.2

Fostering incentives for following environmental certification which include also marine litter monitoring in the criteria

ASC certification company is working to include marine littering as criteria in its certification programme. Farms should have incentives in applying to these kinds of certifications, that require specific criteria.