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EAF-Nansen Programme’s work on marine litter and microplastics

Summary of achievements 2019–2023

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 30 p.

Author Kershaw, P.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 978-92-5-139616-2

Series title FAO EAF-Nansen Programme

Series number No. 77

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4292en

Synopsis (short abstract) Marine litter is a global problem and has increased substantially in recent years. This report provides a summary of the results achieved by the EAF-Nansen Programme as part of its Science Plan, through additional funding received under an addendum, on the occurrence and impacts of marine litter and microplastics in the Gulf of Guinea. Three areas of work were identified, which allowed to improve the understanding of the presence of microplastics in marine ecosystems, generate knowledge on the occurrence of marine debris through the use of the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, enhance the capacity of the countries involved and provide scientific foundations for appropriate action at various levels. An improved sampling protocol for marine debris was developed and successfully tested.There has been a perception in the Gulf of Guinea region that the presence of marine litter could have an adverse effect on the beach seine fishery. A study was conducted in four countries, namely Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo, to gather sociodemographic, fisheries and environmental data to record the impact of marine litter on the fishing communities. A separate report on the study is available. The results of the study are expected to inform local, national and regional management actions to devise actions to reduce the impact of litter in fishery.

Cite this content as:

Kershaw, P. 2025. EAF-Nansen Programme's work on marine litter and microplastics – Summary of achievements, 2019–2023. FAO EAF-Nansen Programme Report No. 77. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4292en

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