In this study, a two-year monitoring programme (July 2020 to April 2022) of macro-litter was conducted on two beaches in Funchal, the largest city and capital of the Madeira island. The abundance, composition, sources, and pathways of the stranded marine litter were assessed following OSPAR guidelines. The mean litter density was found to be 0.29 items/m2, and the beaches’ cleanliness index ranged between ‘very clean’ and ‘dirty’. It was assessed that cigarette butts (30.9%) and plastic objects (30.7%) were the most frequent marine litter items that were identified, followed by paper or cardboard (9.2%) and metal items (8.3%). The present study reveals that most of the monitored marine debris has a land-based source, with a strong contribution from smoking-related activities and littering in streams. By characterising the waste and identifying its source, it is possible to propose integrated management actions at a local level. The study highlights that outreach activity and raising awareness campaigns, together with actions to limit single-use plastic items and stimulate a circular economy, can help limit marine litter pollution on the studied island.
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[…]
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[…]
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,[…]
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[…]
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[…]