engleski

The approach to marine litter issue in line with circular economy

The marine litter issue has been identified as one of major threats to marine ecosystems due to its environmental, economic, safety, health and cultural impacts. Marine litter is any persistent, manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment. It also consists of materials transported into the marine environment from land by rivers, drainage or sewage systems or wind. The presentation analyses the obstacles in resolving marine litter issue in the sea, the quantities and composition of marine litter, its sources, emphasizing the threat of plastics. It elaborates the approach to circular economy and waste management and presents proposals for circular flow of discarded resources. Analysis is made of how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive and other acquis address marine litter and of the quality of national waste management plan in the Republic of Croatia in respect of its approach to marine litter, as well as the efficiency of their implementation in Croatia where the Adriatic Sea is subject to substantial pressure from marine litter. Marine litter to a great extent mirrors waste management problem on the land. Also, considering the large number of pleasure craft and their ability to approach unspoilt secluded beaches and islands, these are regarded as a significant contributor to the marine litter problem. The aim of marine litter management is to ensure the prevention of discarding the waste into marine environment, of handling the waste in a way that it gets into marine environment and coastal area, the replacement of products harmful to marine environment, as well as the removal to the greatest possible extent of the existing quantities of marine litter in marine environment applying environmentally-friendly methods. The authors strive for sustainable and more resilient societies in line with circular economy where the value of resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible.

marine litter ; circular economy ; waste management plan ; Adriatic Sea

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