Marine anthropogenic litter is one of the most pervasive environmental pollution problems that the oceans are currently facing, affecting directly and indirectly all marine ecosystems. Among the wide diversity of litter items found in the oceans, plastic is by far the most abundant and concerning material. Due to their physicochemical properties, plastic materials are suitable for a wide range of industrial and medical applications worldwide. However, when not properly disposed, they remain in the environment for long periods of time, eventually causing harmful effects to marine biota. The negative effects of marine litter are well known and include entanglement, a phenomenon that has been reported in 243 different species of marine organisms and ingestion, that has been documented in a wide variety of marine wildlife, from planktonic organisms up to baleen whales.

The Azores EcoBlue project explores the concept of circular and blue economy, based on the Upcycling & Recycling paradigm, with a strong component of innovation applied to the development of new by-products and raw materials, from waste and surplus from the sea and fishing sector, including the creation of new fibres to be used in yarn/insulation materials and, with this, new waterproof fabrics for outdoor use and a new thermal insulation blanket for use in the construction industry. Studies have already been carried out to quantify and classify marine litter on the coast of the Azores by the University of the Azores. The objective of the promoter is to make the most of these studies, continuing the work already started by that University and by AIR Centre, as well, and, with the support of local communities, to collect them to provide the University of Minho with materials for the development of new yarns and fibres.

For more information please access this link.