Marine Institute Hosts Pan-European Microplastics Meeting 14-15 September

The Joint Action "Ecological Aspects of Microplastics" was launched as one of JPI Oceans’ pilot activities to study the sources, distribution and impact of microplastics in the marine environment.

Since 2014, fifteen European countries and Brazil have committed 18.2 million Euro for 10 pan-European research projects on the ecological aspects of microplastics in the marine environment under the framework of JPI Oceans.  Within the second call, six projects were selected for funding and started their work in 2020. 

As we reach the end of the three-year term of the projects, the teams’ leading these endeavours will unveil their findings on 14 and 15 September 2023 in the Marine Institute in Galway.

Dr Niall McDonough, Chair of JPI Oceans and Director of Policy Innovation and Research Support Services at the Marine Institute, said that “This forum provides an important opportunity for scientists, policymakers, and research funders to discuss and learn from the research outcomes from these ten marine microplastics projects. The assembly serves as a bridge to other European initiatives like the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 and the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy. We are hoping to agree on how to best communicate these results to decision-makers and stakeholders and to ensure tangible, lasting impact.”

A highlight of the meeting, in partnership with the Plastic Pirates go Europe! campaign, is a microplastics sampling exercise along the beautiful shores of Galway Bay, allowing hands on participation amongst attendees.

 

             

Irish partners in these projects are supported by the Marine Institute and the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government funded by the Irish Government under the framework of JPI Oceans.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Sheila Byrnes, Marine Institute e. sheila.byrnes@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 815 5271
Sinéad Coyne, Marine Institute e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090

Notes to the Editor:

Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is the state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. It provides government, public agencies and the maritime industry with a range of scientific, advisory and economic development services that inform policy-making, regulation and the sustainable management and growth of Ireland's marine resources. www.marine.ie

JPI Oceans

JPI Oceans is a pan-European intergovernmental platform aiming to increase efficiency and impact of research and innovation for sustainably healthy and productive seas and oceans. Our member states’ national strategies and priorities are the main building blocks for a joint Strategy Framework to address marine and maritime issues. We are an intergovernmental platform of European countries for marine and maritime research and innovation. Our members are ministries and funding agencies that develop, fund and implement national research agendas. www.jpi-oceans.eu