World Oceans Day

Students attending sustainability classes in Stintino, fishermen equipped with digital devices to report plastic in the sea, researchers working in the field to address marine waste issues, and the initiation of the "Sea waste finder" app experiment are just a few of the initial results from the University of Sassari's project against marine litter in the Asinara Marine Protected Area. These updates were shared in anticipation of the "World Oceans Day" on June 8.

In recent weeks, 70 students participated in three days of "Playing and Fishing For Litter" events ("EMD In My Country 2023"), organized within the PO FEAMP 2014-2020 project in collaboration with the Asinara National Park, the Municipality, and primary and secondary schools in Stintino. The initiative also involved the ASD Isula Fishing Club Sardegna. These activities aimed to monitor marine litter in the Asinara Island Marine Protected Area. The students listened to stories from fishermen and divers, considered the "sea sentinels," learned about their local territory, and participated in beach clean-ups. Through a gamification approach, the students collected, analyzed, and classified various types of waste, gaining hands-on experience in understanding crucial issues such as pollution, sustainability, and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage of their island. The materials collected will be showcased at the Asinara National Park headquarters and in the school complex.

"We need a cultural shift to address the environmental emergencies we are experiencing: that's why today, more than ever, we must start from schools, where skills for future challenges are developed, and awareness and responsibility for the citizens of tomorrow are built," stated Donatella Carboni, from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Sassari, the project coordinator.

On May 11, researchers involved in designing and using digital devices, developed with the support of the company Innovyou, received training. Fishermen are also experimenting with these devices to geolocate and report marine waste based on its state (floating, on board, beached) and material type.

Three tools are available: the "Sea waste finder" app, currently in beta format but available to all later; a device using satellite technology for reporting waste even in challenging conditions where the use of a cell phone is difficult, such as lack of signal or adverse sea conditions; and the software, the so-called "administration dashboard," ensuring a crucial function in waste management and governance.

The project, titled "Creation of a strategy for monitoring marine litter in the Asinara Island Marine Protected Area involving fishermen," involves the University of Sassari in collaboration with the Asinara National Park and the Marine Protected Area "Isola dell'Asinara," the University of Ferrara, the University of Bucharest, Flag Nord Sardegna, Co.pe.g.a. Società Cooperativa A.r.l di Porto Torres, the cooperative Pescatori di Stintino, and the digital tech agency Innovyou.

In line with the objectives of the "SalvaMare" law, the project, initiated by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Agriculture and funded by the PO FEAMP 2014-2020 fund, aims to develop a participatory approach in the area among fishermen, research institutions, public administrations, and citizens. They will be supported by specific digital tools and engaged in monitoring activities crucial to finding sustainable solutions to the marine waste problem.