Publications

Meso- and microplastic composition, distribution patterns and drivers: A snapshot of plastic pollution on Brazilian beaches
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This paper assesses plastic pollution using a standardised surface sediment sampling protocol on 22 sandy beaches along more than 4600 km of the Brazilian coast. The abundance, size, colour, type, and polymeric composition of all meso- and microplastic items found in the surveys were processed to disclose spatial patterns of distribution and pollution-associated drivers. From the analysis, it was found that 3114 plastic items were found, with microplastics comprising just over half of all items (54%). Most items were found to be either white (60%) or blue (13%), while polystyrene foam (45%) and fragments (39%) comprised the most abundant plastic types. The principal polymers that were seen are polyethylene (40%) and polypropylene (32%). The analyses of the study indicated that the distribution of plastic litter along beaches is determined by three predictive variables: the distance to the nearest estuary, tourism, and the number of inhabitants in the nearest urban center.

Latest Posts

1
New NEAFC Scheme of Control and Enforcement

The Scheme of Control and Enforcement Scheme (Scheme) of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) applies to all fishing vessels used or intended for use in fishing activities conducted on fisheries resources in the Regulatory Area. The scheme is divided into seven chapters: General Provisions (I), Control Measures (II), Monitoring of Fisheries (III), Vessel[…]

2
CMM 2018/09 Conservation and Management Measure for Control of fishing activities in the Agreement Area (Control)

For the purpose of ensuring that fishing activities are in compliance with South Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs), this CMM provides regulations that make it easier to monitor, control, and monitor fishing activities. It is the responsibility of the Contracting Parties, cooperating non-contracting party (CNCPs), and participating fishing entities (PFEs) to[…]

3
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/531

In the context of sustainable fishing activities, this Regulation establishes specific rules regarding the eligibility of costs associated with operations that aim to protect and restore marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, this Regulation addresses the eligibility of costs for operations that aim to mitigate climate change and improve the energy efficiency of fishing vessels. Furthermore,[…]

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Third CRFM Strategic Plan 2022 – 2030

The Third Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Strategic Plan (2022-2030) sets out a clear roadmap for achieving the CRFM’s vision of effective management, conservation and sustainable use of our fisheries and aquaculture resources, to maximise social and economic benefits in the CRFM Member States. The plan was approved by the Eleventh Special Meeting of the[…]

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System Of Observation, Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement

This measure is based on the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fishery Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean, adopted by the Annual Meeting of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) in 2015, establishes the System of Observation, Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement, which shall apply to all fishing vessels and fishing research[…]