Multi-target Optimization of Actions against Litter Pollution in the Mediterranean

This is a summary of the work package "Implementing science based innovative actions, tools and solutions for minimizing marine litter fluxes from river systems" as part of the project application MEDLIGHT Innovation Action (IA), addressing the “Mediterranean lighthouse” call in its present “Development and piloting phase” (2022-25). Minimizing marine litter requires reducing inputs from river systems, artificial waterways and water treatment systems, as a large part of it is sourced inland. Available information indicates that most riverine litter (mainly plastics) transport to the Mediterranean Sea basin (MSB) takes place at the occasion of floods. Damming and water diversion from MSB rivers introduces an additional layer of complexity as reservoir and water management strongly influences the fluvial regime. There is a tremendous lack of information on riverine litter fluxes globally and, specifically, for the MSB. This largely prevents a robust diagnosis and, subsequently, the implementation of practical measures to the extent actually needed. The implementation of improved, intercalibrated litter monitoring techniques is thus absolutely needed, but a non-trivial task to develop. If we want to be serious, we should give priority to addressing such major knowledge gaps, so that they could be reduced to the maximum possible extent within the shortest delay, so that sound science-based actions, to be started by demonstrators, could be undertaken and upscaled. This work package addresses to the best possible way, and for a number of MSB river systems, the main issues depicted above by means of a set of interconnected tasks and a transdisciplinary, multi-focused demonstrator.