ABPmer to help shape EU marine litter policy
February 21, 2012
ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer), a leading UK marine environmental consultancy, is to provide specialist advice to Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd (RPA) to help the European Commission identify mechanisms for preventing and managing marine litter.
Marine litter is a growing problem which imposes an increasingly serious threat to the environment. Some of the most problematic marine litter is composed of plastic, which has a very slow rate of decomposition, leading to a gradual build up in the environment.
Marine litter may also have a direct impact on human health, as contact with chemicals leaching from the waste, as well as decomposing elements, can have adverse health consequences. Furthermore, floating debris can pose a navigational hazard for ships and cause injury to swimmers and divers.
The aim of this study is to identify various instruments to prevent and/or clean up plastic littering and thus reduce the quantity of such litter potentially reaching the sea.
Stephen Hull, ABPmer Technical Director said: “We are excited to be part of this EU study which will identify current best practices in relation to prevention and mitigation of the impacts of plastic littering. Additionally, it will assess the feasibility of different options to prevent littering and increase public awareness, including the use of economic incentives with the aim to trigger preventive and remedial action by public authorities.
ABPmer, along with Arcadis, will specifically provide advice on the sources of marine litter and also develop UK case study evidence for inclusion in the analysis of good practice.”
The project is expected to deliver its findings to the Director-General Environment at the end of the year.
Enquiries:
Tracey Hewett
ABPmer Communications
Tel: 02380 711840
Image courtesy Andy Pearson www.oceanedgephotography.co.uk
