Funding Agency: Interreg MAC (MAC2/1.1a/265)

Partners: Canary Islands (ULL, ULPGC), Madeira, Azores, Cape Verde

Time active: 2019-2022

Leading researcher: Dr. Javier Hernández Borges (ULL).

From the ULPGC partner. Dra. María M. Gómez Cabrera

Number of researchers involved: 17

Funds: 1,578,261.53 €

Abstract:

This project aims to create an observatory that generates quantitative and qualitative data on the impact of microplastics and different pollutants on the beaches of the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira and the Azores archipelagos. To this end, a programme will be developed to monitor microplastics and different pollutants in the sands and waters of the beaches of the four archipelagos, highlighting the degree of pollution and its evolution. Studies will also be carried out on the incidence of microplastics in some types of fish and their effect on trophic chains and ecosystems. The project also contemplates contributing to the improvement of public knowledge on plastic pollution, including the sensitization of the population, carrying out important actions of dissemination, training and environmental education on the marine spaces of the four archipelagos.