SaroniCOAST – Monitoring and Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Seabirds of the Saronic Gulf
The Saronic Gulf is one of the most environmentally pressured marine areas in Greece, largely due to intense anthropogenic activity and its proximity to the Athens metropolitan region. The SaroniCOAST project represents the first systematic effort to investigate microplastic pollution in high trophic level organisms, specifically seabirds, with the aim of assessing the extent, distribution, and potential sources of contamination within the marine ecosystem.
The project focuses on key indicator species such as the European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii) and the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis), which serve as reliable bioindicators of marine environmental health. By combining biological sampling with advanced tracking technologies, the project aims to link microplastic ingestion to specific foraging areas and potential pollution hotspots across the Saronic Gulf.
SaroniCOAST is implemented through the collaboration of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), the Ionian University, and MEDASSET, integrating field ecology, laboratory analysis, and spatial ecology to deliver a comprehensive understanding of microplastic pollution dynamics.
The primary objective of the project is to quantify microplastic pollution in the Saronic Gulf and identify its potential sources through the study of seabirds as bioindicator species.
Key activities include:
- Collection and analysis of 30–60 faecal samples from European Shags and Yellow-legged Gulls for microplastic detection.
- Laboratory processing using standardized protocols, including chemical digestion, filtration, stereomicroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy for polymer identification.
- Deployment of 8–10 GPS/GSM tracking devices on European Shags to monitor movement patterns and identify key foraging and pollution-prone areas.
- Collection of additional biological samples (blood and feathers) for toxicological assessment and evaluation of contaminant exposure.
- Integration of scientific data into marine conservation strategies and environmental management policies for the Saronic Gulf.
Fieldwork is conducted across the Diaporia and Laousses islet complexes, between Aegina and Salamis, combining ecological surveys with laboratory analysis and spatial tracking of seabird behavior.
The project is funded by the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation.
