TECMARECO

Interventions to preserve biodiversityand marine and terrestrial areas of naturalistic value

C1-2.3-108

LP: Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn di Napoli - Sede Sicily (Sicily Marine Centre), Dipartimento di Ecologia Marina Integrata - CUP: C73C25000260007

PP2: University of Malta - Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science Systems  

CUP: G13C25000280006

PP3: Università degli Studi di Palermo - Polo Territoriale Universitario della Provincia di Trapani  - CUP: B93C23001840007

PP4: Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente - Sicilia - Unità Operativa Complessa UOC Ricerca e Innovazione / 

Direzione Generale

CUP: E73C25000140006

PP5: Università degli Studi di Catania - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Architettura – 

CUP: E63C25000580002

PP6: South Side s.r.l. - CUP: G73C25000160006

PP7: Zibel -  Environmental Non-governmental Organisation (eNGO) - CUP: G13C25000290006

PP8: Regione Siciliana Assessorato dell’Agricoltura, dello Sviluppo  Rurale e della Pesca - Dipartimento Regionale della Pesca Mediterranea -  CUP: G73C25000170009

Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca ambientale; Lega Navale Italiana, sezione di Pozzallo; FLAG Riviera Jonica Etnea; I.S.I.S. “Duca degli Abruzzi” – Politecnico del Mare

Marine litter, especially plastics (macro, micro, and mega), are among the most studied emerging pollutants due to their impact on marine ecosystems. The project aims to improve monitoring and management of microplastics (MP) in the Italy-Malta area through two innovative solutions: a cross-border Early Detection System (EDS) and a pilot hub for MP and ghost net upcycling and recycling. The EDS will provide environmental data to support mitigation planning (TecMAReco Strategy), incorporating information on species and Natura 2000 sites. The pilot hub will act as both an observatory and incubator for circular solutions. Building on past projects (e.g., CALYPSO), the project promotes an adaptive, ecosystem-based approach.

• 1 Early Detection System (EDS) model developed to detect and manage marine microplastic accumulation
• 1 EDS scenario built to adapt the system in real time to cross-border marine conditions
• 1 pilot test on new materials and on the effects of microplastics on target species at the incubator hub
• 1 technical protocol for the development and use of new asphalt materials recycled from MPs
• 1 cross-border strategy to advance the technological maturity of the developed solutions (e.g., MP upcycling)

• Improved capacity to monitor and prevent microplastic (MP) accumulation through the development of an Early Detection System (EDS).
• Enhanced scientific knowledge on MP transport, accumulation processes, and their effects on marine ecosystems.
• Promotion of circular economy via a pilot hub for recycling and upcycling of plastics and ghost nets.
• Stakeholder engagement and informed decision-making supported by a shared strategy and digital tools for pollution mitigation.
• Strengthened Italy-Malta cross-border cooperation in the sustainable management of marine pollution.

Dott.ssa Maria Cristina Mangano

📧 mariacristina.mangano@szn.it
📞 +39 3892307732