ROPME, in collaboration with CEFAS, organised a one-day online workshop on 8 January 2024 focused on micro-litter monitoring, including microplastics, in the ROPME Sea Area. The workshop was attended by over 60 participants from ROPME Member States and aimed to strengthen regional knowledge, share methodologies, and build capacity for micro-litter assessment in the marine environment.
The workshop featured expert presentations covering micro-litter in multiple environmental matrices. Topics included monitoring floating meso-and micro-litter in marine surface waters, micro-litter in marine biota, micro-litter in freshwater systems, and micro-litter in beach sand and seafloor sediment. Each session provided detailed guidance on sample collection, laboratory analysis, and reporting, with an emphasis on harmonising methods across the region to ensure comparable and reliable data.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in an interactive Q&A and discussion session, exchanging experiences and insights from their respective countries. This dialogue helped identify challenges, opportunities, and best practices for integrating micro-litter monitoring into ongoing environmental and pollution assessment programmes.
The workshop contributed to the development of a regional micro-litter monitoring programme, supporting standardised guidance, assessment of micro-litter pollution, and regional collaboration. Participants also discussed sources, pathways, transport, and ecological and socio-economic impacts of micro-litter, laying the foundation for a coordinated effort to address microplastic pollution in the ROPME Sea Area.
