14 February 2025
Marine litter on the EU coastline is down by almost one-third. This is according to the report European Coastline Macro Litter Trends 2015 - 2021, a document of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, published by the Marine Litter Technical Group (TGML) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). In the reference period, a 29% decrease in the total volume of macro-litter was recorded on European coasts. There was about a third less litter on European coasts in 2020-2021 than in 2015-2016, based on data from 253 monitored beaches. On the EU coastlines, single-use plastic was reduced by 40 %. Fisheries-related items decreased by 20 % and plastic bags were down by 20 %. This achievement is the result of multilateral, national, regional, and citizen efforts triggered by the MSFD.
The NODC contributed to this document and has played a key role in working with the TGML since 2017. It collects, harmonises and validates marine litter data on the EMODnet platform, which is an essential support for assessing the health and evolution of the seas and oceans. The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a network of organisations working together to collect and process marine data according to international standards and make the information freely available. It is a long-term marine data service of the European Union, funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) under the auspices of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). The NODC is the scientific coordinator of EMODnet Chemistry. OGS is also a partner of EMODnet Bathymetry, EMODnet Biology and EMODnet Ingestion.
Despite the encouraging trends, which underline the positive impact of waste reduction measures taken through EU legislation, national efforts and public engagement, marine litter levels remain high in many European areas and require further action.
