April 24, 2026
The Saronic Gulf holds an environmental reality that is not visible to the naked eye: the gradual accumulation of microplastics within its marine ecosystem.
As part of the SaroniCOAST project, MEDASSET, the Department of Environment of the Ionian University, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) have initiated the first coordinated field campaign to investigate microplastic pollution and explore seabirds as reliable bioindicators of marine ecosystem health.
During this initial expedition, the research team:
- Conducted systematic seabird surveys across the islets of Salamina, Aegina, and Agistri
- Collected faecal samples for subsequent microplastic identification and analysis
- Recorded and mapped key breeding and foraging areas of seabird populations
- Initiated preparations for the deployment of GPS/GSM tracking devices on selected individuals
This first field campaign represents a critical step toward understanding the spatial distribution and magnitude of microplastic pollution in the Saronic Gulf, as well as its potential links to specific marine and coastal sources.
The SaroniCOAST project is funded by the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation.
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