VENICE, Italy, June 1, 2025 —Experts, environmentalists, and innovators gathered Saturday at the Venice Boat Show for the fifth edition of the international workshop “Marine Litter Monitoring, Removal and Blue Circular Economy,” hosted at the Torre di Porta Nuova in Arsenale. Organized by Venice Lagoon Plastic Free in cooperation with ISDI Group (Malta), the event served as an official partner of the EU Green Week 2025. It was organised under the European Union’s Mission Ocean and Waters research and the innovation projects SeaClear2.0, REMEDEIS, and the INTERREG IPA ADRION JOINABLE project.
This year’s workshop focused on scientific research, technological innovation, and policy strategies to combat marine litter and promote circular economy models within aquatic environments. Structured in three sessions, the event began with discussions on marine litter monitoring and assessment. Experts presented studies on microplastics generated by textile washing processes, the dangers macroplastics pose to marine turtles, and the environmental impact of end-of-life fibreglass vessels on aquatic life, including mussels and oysters. These findings emphasized the complexity and urgency of marine pollution issues across European coastal zones.
The second session showcased cleanup technologies, including the SeaClear2.0 autonomous robotic system, trialled in Hamburg’s port, and the passive retention systems used in urban rivers in Tirana and along the Po River in Italy. The audience also heard from startups representatives from Malta presenting Vessel X and BioBright, innovative solutions aiming to reduce macro- and microplastic pollution through bio-based filtration and eco-design.
In the final session, panellists addressed opportunities in the blue circular economy. Notable topics included the use of blue crab chitin to create biodegradable polymers, success stories of women entrepreneurs in the marine sector through the WinBlue program, and the expansion of the Ghost Boat initiative for recycling end-of-life vessels. The Region of Marche also shared insights from its policy frameworks supporting sustainable maritime industries.
On June 2, Venice Lagoon Plastic Free and WWF extended the impact of the event with the 12th International Clean-Up Day. With the support of the Mission Ocean and Waters HEUROPE REMEDIES, SeaClear2.0, and JOINABLE projects, volunteers gathered at Sant’Alvise and the WWF Alberoni Oasis to collect and monitor marine debris washed ashore. Participants used mobile apps developed under the above-mentioned EU projects to facilitate data collection and mapping. A total of 4,207 litter items were identified and removed along only 100 metres of shorelines, with the most common being fragments of expanded polystyrene, glass and ceramic pieces, and plastic water bottles—highlighting the persistent and increasing presence of plastic debris along our coasts. Organized by VLPF under the World Environment Day, in collaboration with WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities program, the event involved local civic groups, environmental NGOs, and JOINABLE project participants.
