Wp5regionalreportfishingareas

DERELICT FISHING GEAR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE ADRIATIC REGION (DEFISHGEAR)

Pilot assessment on microplastic in fishing areas Report for WP5

September, 2016

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Authors: Manca Kovač Viršek (IWRS), Špela Koren (IWRS), Monika Peterlin (IWRS), Andreja Palatinus (IWRS), Maryline Pflieger (UNG), Andrej Kržan (NIC), Petra Horvat (NIC), Jasna Šiljić (IOF), Dubravka Bojanić Varezić (IOF), Mišo Pavičić (IOF), Pero Tutman (IOF), Cristina Mazziotti (ARPAER), Paola Martini (ARPAER), Enza Bertaccini (ARPAER), Margherita Benzi (ARPAER), Helen Kaberi (HCMR), Christina Zeri (HCMR), Svitlana Liubartseva (CMCC), Marina Fusco (HEIS), Admir Aladžuz (HEIS), Sanela Krdžalić (HEIS), Gulielm Kroqi (AUT), Jerina Kolitari (AUT).

Report editors: Manca Kovač Viršek, Špela Koren Contact information: DeFishGear website: http://www.defishgear.net/

Contact persons: Manca Kovač Viršek, PhD (WP5 leader and project coordinator on Institute for Waters of the Republic of Slovenia): manca.virsek@izvrs.si Monika Peterlin, PhD (Coordinator of Sector for marine waters of the Institute for water): monika.peterlin@izvrs.si Špela Koren, PhD (Associate Researcher): spela.koren@izvrs.si

Institutions: ARPAER: Regional Agency for Environmental Protection in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy AUT: Agricultural University of Tirana, Laboratory of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Albania CMCC: Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change HCMR: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Greece HEIS: Hydro-Engineering Institute of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bosnia and Herzegovina IOF: Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, Croatia IWRS: Institute for water of the Republic of Slovenia, Slovenia NIC: National Institute of Chemistry, Laboratory for polymer chemistry and technology, Slovenia UNG: University of Nova Gorica, The Laboratory for Environmental Research, Slovenia

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

This document was produced as final report in DeFishGear project in work package 5 (WP5) – Microplastics, by the financial assistance of the IPA Adriatic Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.

DeFishGear: Derelict Fishing Gear Management System in the Adriatic Region Project code: 1°str/00010 Project duration: 1. 11. 2013 – 30. 9. 2016 Programme: IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013

Disclaimer This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the IPA Adriatic Cross-Border Cooperation Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the IPA Adriatic Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Authorities.

Institute for water of the Republic of Slovenia (IWRS) has taken due care in the preparation of this report to ensure that all facts and analysis presented are as accurate as possible within the scope of the project. However no guarantee is provided in respect of the information presented, and IWRS is not responsible for decisions or actions taken on the basis of the content of this report.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Acronyms ATR FT-IR – Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy NIR – Near Infra-red spectroscopy NY - Nylon PA – Polyamide PE – Polyethylene PP – Polypropylene PVC – Polyvinyl chloride PET – Polyethylene terephthalate PS – Polystyrene

iv

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Summary This report summarises findings of part of the work carried by work package 5 (WP5) of the project DeFishGear, refered to microplastic pollution in fishing areas of the Adriatic region. The aim of this part of WP5 was to investigate the level of pollution on the sea surface in fishing areas of the Adriatic Sea, on which basis the program of measures for microplastic was prepared in the document “Strategic recommendations for improving marine litter management in the Adriatic Sea in the field of microplastic pollution” (Kovač Viršek, 2016).

The main objectives of the output “Pilot assessment on microplastic in fishing areas” were:  

The use of harmonized sampling and sample analysis methodology prepared for the sea surface samples that is usable for all Adriatic region.

Estimation of microplastic concentration on the sea surface in fishing areas of the Adriatic region.

Methodology Microplastic sampling and sample analysis on the sea surface were done according to the “Recommendation on regional approach to monitoring and assessment of microplastic in the marine environment” developed through the project DeFishGear. Microplastic was sampled on 39 sea surface transects by the use of manta net (mesh size ~300 µm) in Italy (Cesenatico – 8 transects), Slovenia (from Koper to Piran – 4 transects), Croatia (Split region – 10 transects), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Neum – 2 transects) and Greece (Corfu island – 15 transects). Samplings were performed in the spring 2015. Microplastic separation from the sea surface samples were done by the use of stereomicroscopes. Microplastic particles were counted, weighted, categorized into 6 categories (fragments, filaments, foams, granule, pellets and other) and analysed for their chemical structure. At the end, estimation of density of microplastic pollution for each country and all Adriatic region were calculated.

Results The average number of microplastic pollution in Adriatic Sea on the sea surface of fishing areas was measured as 4.3 x 105 ± 5.6 x 105 items per km2. Among measures a high diversity among samples were observed, the highest in Italy, Slovenia and Greece.

v

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region 3500000 3000000

items/km²

2500000 2000000 1500000 1000000 500000 0

Bosnia and Hr

Croatia

min (items/km2)

50

11200

28699

7434

916363

max (items/km2)

175

19300

910727

3234330

2319444

average

112

15800

237803

536333

1362588

min (items/km2)

Greece

max (items/km2)

Italy

Slovenia

average

The comparison of average and range of microplastic concentration (items/km2) among fishing areas of the Adriatic countries.

Chemical identification of microplastic particles were not possible for all particles, due to fragmentation of particles and possible losing and due to biofilms that in most cases covered particles and therefore FT-IR spectrophotometer could not provide the true results. However chemical identification of microplastic particles show that polyethylene (PE) is the most abundant plastic material among microplastic, followed by polypropylene and polystyrene.

Conclusions On the basis of this study the following conclusions are presented:    

The average microplastic concentration in the fishing areas of Adriatic region was measured as 4.3 x 105 items/km2 Fragments was the most common microplastic category in the fishing areas of Adriatic region, followed by filaments and foams.

Polyethylene was the most common plastic material in the fishing areas of Adriatic region, followed by polystyrene and polypropylene.

On the basis of knowledge about derelict fishing gear in the Adriatic region and fishing activities reported to European Union, fishing activities have impact on microplastic pollution, but it cannot be precisely evaluated.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Table of contents Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................... iv Summary ................................................................................................................................................. v 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1

Objectives................................................................................................................................ 1

1.2

Description of the teams involved in microplastic research................................................... 1

1.2.1

Albania - Agricultural University of Tirana ...................................................................... 1

1.2.2

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Hydro-Engineering Institute Sarajevo ................................... 1

1.2.3

Croatia - Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries ........................................................ 2

1.2.4

Greece - Hellenic Centre for Marine Research ............................................................... 3

1.2.5

Italy - Regional Agency for Environmental Protection in the Emilia-Romagna region ... 3

1.2.6

Slovenia ........................................................................................................................... 3

Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia .............................................................................. 3 The National Institute of Chemistry ................................................................................................ 3 1.3

2

1.3.1

Short description of Adriatic Sea .................................................................................... 4

1.3.2

Fisheries activities that can influence on microplastic pollution .................................... 4

Materials and Methods ................................................................................................................... 6 2.1

3

Literature review..................................................................................................................... 4

Sea surface sampling and sample analysis ............................................................................. 6

2.1.1

Sampling .......................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.2

Microplastic separation from the sea surface .............................................................. 10

Results ........................................................................................................................................... 11 3.1

National level ........................................................................................................................ 11

3.1.1

Bosnia and Herzegovina ................................................................................................ 11

3.1.2

Croatia ........................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.3

Greece ........................................................................................................................... 13

3.1.4

Italy................................................................................................................................ 14

3.1.5

Slovenia ......................................................................................................................... 18

3.1.6

Regional level ................................................................................................................ 19

3.2

Size distribution .................................................................................................................... 20

3.3

Chemical analysis .................................................................................................................. 20

3.3.1

Croatia ........................................................................................................................... 20

3.3.2

Greece ........................................................................................................................... 20

3.3.3

Slovenia ......................................................................................................................... 21 vii

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region 4

Discussion...................................................................................................................................... 22

5

Conclusions ................................................................................................................................... 24

6

References .................................................................................................................................... 25

Appendices Appendix 1: Sampling data – sea surface Appendix 2: Size distribution – sea surface

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

1 Introduction This report represents the results of monitoring of microplastic and related activities within the DeFishGear project - “Derelict Fishing Gear Management System in the Adriatic Region” (project code: 1°STR/ 00010), which was funded by IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013.

The report is focused exclusively on monitoring and assessment of microplastic pollution (plastic particles < 5 mm) on the sea surface in fishing areas of the Adriatic Region. The report is a result of coordinated actions toward sharing knowledge on analysing microplastic pollution, which included application of the joint monitoring methodology in the Adriatic region aiming to determine microplastic types and quantities selected marine department.

1.1 Objectives The main objectives of the output “Pilot assessment on microplastic in fishing areas” were: 

 

Determination of fishing areas of marine litter in the Adriatic region. Microplastic was sampled on 39 sea surface transects in Italy (Cesenatico – 8 transects), Slovenia (from Koper to Piran – 4 transects), Croatia (Split region – 10 transects), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Neum – 2 transects) and Greece (Corfu island – 15 transects).

Sampling in the sea surface fishing areas by manta net and sample analysis of water samples.

Estimation of microplastic concentration on the sea surface of fishing areas of the Adriatic region.

1.2 Description of the teams involved in microplastic research These targeted actions related to monitoring and assessment of microplastic pollution were performed in 6 eligible countries in the Adriatic Region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia) by following 7 project partners from the DeFishGear project:       

Regional Agency for Environmental Protection in the Emilia-Romagna region, Cesenatico, Italy; Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia; National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia; Hydro-Engineering Institute Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina; Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania; Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece.

1.2.1 Albania - Agricultural University of Tirana AUT elaborates water management and marine management studies and technical background legal regulations which mainly support the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment and develops approach to monitoring and management of marine litter pollution, including beach litter and microplastic and has been involved in Clean Coast, Marine Renegades and other NGO projects. The laboratory is involved in marine litter research since 2013 and has the leading role in microplastic analysis in Albanian sea water since 2013. AUT has also experience in socio-economic analysis (SEA).

1.2.2 Bosnia and Herzegovina - Hydro-Engineering Institute Sarajevo Prior to investigation of microplastics trends and accumulations in the Adriatic, DeFishGear project partners involved in the microplastic surveys have performed extensive literature review. It was actually the first sub-activity performed within the Working Package 5 dealing exclusively with the

1

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region microplastics pollution. This initial activity, as well as all the other activities related to the WP5 which took place in the part of the Adriatic Sea pertaining to BIH, were performed by the expert team from the Hydro-Engineering Institute Sarajevo.

The main aim of the literature review was to prepare the stock of data related to the current level of surveys dealing with the assessments and trends of microplastics pollution in the Adriatic Region and abroad. The results of the literature review performed by BIH team and other expert teams, which were involved in this activity in general have shown that microplastics has been recognized as emerging pollution threat all around the globe. Nevertheless, still certain aspects related to its accumulation trends, assessment methodology and exact data related to its quantity and quality remain insufficiently investigated.

Furthermore, literature review has shown that scientific data related to the Adriatic Sea are scattered and sporadic, lacking joint assessment methodology and data base. This was actually the greatest challenge that all the countries involved in the Working Package 5 of the DeFishGear project had to deal with. Moreover, for some countries, like it was the case with Bosnia and Herzegovina, microplastics pollution was completely new scientific field, requiring even more engagement and knowledge acquisition from the partners who were already experienced in these kinds of scientific activities.

Finally, literature review served as the pillar for the preparation of the common guidance documents, i.e. DeFishGear Monitoring Protocols, which have enabled application of the joint assessment methodology in the period, and creation of the first data base for the microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea.

1.2.3 Croatia - Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) is the scientific public institute and it is National Reference Centre for the marine research. Institute employs 116 people of whom 71 are experts in different field of which 50 are professionals with PhD. Scientific activities conducted in the IOF are interdisciplinary including biological, chemical, physical, geological and fishery research. The research vessels Bios and Navicula, owned by IOF, are used for oceanographic and fisheries research activities, designed specifically for surveys and data collection for both coastal and open-sea waters.

The IOF have eight Departments dealing with variety aspects of coastal environment. Information available on the composition and distribution of marine litter, including microplastics in the Croatian marine environment is scarce because surveys to date have mainly focused on biological and hydrological parameters. During our long-term investigations, microplastics have been detected in the tissues of a variety of marine species, as well as in the water column and sediment. However, there is currently a lack of dedicated studies on the bio-ecological effects of various kind of marine litter on the sea life in Croatia. The IOF aims to participate in establishing a framework within which Policy makers and other stakeholders would take measures to achieve or maintain good environmental status in the sea.

The IOF team involved in DeFishGear project are employees of two laboratories; Laboratory of ichthyology and coastal fisheries and Laboratory of fisheries science and management of pelagic and demersal resources. The team includes scientists who are experts in the fields of biology and biotechnology, dealing with the biology and ecology of fishes and their developmental stages, trophic ecology, population dynamics, all aspects of fisheries including stock assessment and management of pelagic, demersal and coastal resources. At the beginning DeFishGear project, two people were hired 2

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region to be fully involved in the activities assigned by the project and they were sent for training in order to specialize in collection and processing samples of microplastics.

1.2.4 Greece - Hellenic Centre for Marine Research HCMR has participated in a number of projects related to the topic of marine litter. In the framework of the FP7 project PERSEUS (2011-2015) the seafloor litter was studied in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The methodology for the analysis of microplastics in sediments was developed in the framework of the FP7 project CLEANSEA (2012-2016). Finally, in the framework of the FP7 SEAS ERA project MERMAID (2012-2015), besides other descriptors, the marine litter descriptor (D10) was studied in the Gulf of Lions (France), Saronikos Gulf (Greece) and the Cilician basin (Turkey), linking the defined targets for marine litter to the corresponding measures.

1.2.5 Italy - Regional Agency for Environmental Protection in the EmiliaRomagna region Regional Agency for Environmental Protection in the Emili-Romagna region (ArpaER) carries out research about coastal marine systems with emphasis on multidisciplinary ecosystem complexity: the main activities include research, development and application of monitoring programme to comply with regional, national, EU laws. During the 2013 the ArpaER was involved in sea surface microplastics analysis for the Marine Strategy. In the 2015 they started again the activities about marine Strategy and we are involved in sea surface microplastics analysis. In Italy the microplastics analysis in the beach sediment are not take into consideration until now.

The team is composed from marine biologists and technicians that are involved in sampling activities and laboratory analysis with a couple years of experience in this skill.

1.2.6 Slovenia Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia Institute for water of the Republic of Slovenia (IWRS) implements common European water policy and international strategies and conventions, participates in expert working groups of the Common Implementation Strategy process of directives at the DG Environment of the European Commission and activities of the European Environment Agency. IWRS elaborates water management and marine management studies and technical background legal regulations which mainly support the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment and develops approach to monitoring and management of marine litter pollution, including beach litter and microplastic and has been involved in Clean Coast, Marine Renegades and other NGO projects.

The Institute is involved in marine litter research since 2010 and has the leading role in microplastic analysis in Slovenian sea water since 2011. The team is composed from biologists and ecologist that are involved in sampling activities and laboratory analysis with a couple years of experience in this skill.

The National Institute of Chemistry The National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) is a public research institution active in all areas of chemistry.

It was the first research institution in Slovenia to obtain ISO 9001 standards in 2003. It offers high-level research equipment such as NMR spectrometers, ultra-high resolution microscopes, chromatography systems etc. and is routinely involved in national and international research frameworks. The Department for Polymer Chemistry and Technology (D07) with its 17 members is specialized in synthesis and characterization of polymers and plastics. It provides a full array of chemical

3

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region polymer/plastics characterization expertise: spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal methods, as well as an excellent staff including 9 Ph. D. experts.

The laboratory has a history of activity in the broad area of environmental aspects of plastics and polymers including plastic waste management, plastics recycling, biodegradability of plastics, biobased plastics and bionanocomposites. Through its project involvement D07 has expertise in plastics sustainability issues from its strong involvement in bioplastics as well as the legal, standardization/certification and strategic aspects of plastic waste management, plastic pollution in the environment and environmental solutions such as biodegradable plastics.

Through the waste management and biodegradability issues the team lead by dr. Andrej Kržan has had exposure to the issue of marine litter and microplastics. In cooperation with the University of Nova Gorica dr. Kržan lead the first studies of microplastics occurrence in the Adriatic sea (Slovenian part), which started in 2011 (two studies finished by 2015). The results of these exploratory studies were included in the national reporting as part of fulfilling the requirements for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

1.3 Literature review 1.3.1 Short description of the Adriatic Sea The Adriatic Sea is north eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, which separates the Apennine of the Balkan Peninsula. The Adriatic Sea is semi-enclosed sea connected with the Ionian Sea by the Strait of Otranto. It is geographically divided into the Northern Adriatic, Central (or Middle) Adriatic, and Southern Adriatic. The prevailing currents flow up from the Strait of Otranto, along the eastern coast and back to the strait along the western (Italian) coast. Because the Adriatic Sea collects a third of the fresh water flowing into the Mediterranean their salinity is lower than the average Mediterranean's salinity (Artegiani et al., 1997). The first contributor of freshwater to the Adriatic is the submarine groundwater discharges through submarine springs that comprise 29% of the total water flux into the Adriatic (Taniguchi et al., 2002). Among surface waters, river Po has the highest discharge into the Adriatic, followed by Neretva and Drin (Franić and Petrinec, 2006). Other major rivers discharging into the Adriatic include also Soča, Krka, Bojana, and Vjosë. Altogether with other small rivers discharge up to 5,700 m3/s. This rate of discharge amounts to 0.5% of the total Adriatic Sea volume.

For fisheries management the Adriatic Sea is divided in two Geographical Sub-Areas (GSA): GSA 17 and GSA 18. In GSA 17, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Italy are included, while in GSA 18 Albania, South-Eastern coast of Italy and Montenegro are included (UNEP -MAP-RAC/SPA, 2014).

1.3.2 Fisheries activities that can influence on microplastic pollution 1.3.2.1 Fleets operating in the Adriatic Sea The size of Adriatic fishing fleet in 2001 was about 10000 registered fishing vessels and it was reduced to 3000 till 2014. 80% of vessels are bottom trawlers, 17% are purse seiners for small pelagic and just 3% are pelagic trawlers (UNEP -MAP-RAC/SPA, 2014).

1.3.2.2 Fishing gears In the Adriatic Sea at least 3 types of fishing gears are used by fisher men. Small and large pelagic fish species are caught by the use of “volante” and “purse seine”. Volante is the most frequently used by Italian fleet in the northern and central areas, while Purse seine is the main gear used in Slovenia,

4

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region Croatia, Montenegro and Albania for small pelagic species and in Croatia for large pelagic fishes (Bluefin tuna) (UNEP -MAP-RAC/SPA, 2014).

Demersal species are caught by the use of bottom trawls and “rapido”. Bottom trawl fisheries is mainly regulated by spatial and temporal fisheries regulation measures and is closed half year in the majority of the inner sea. 1/3 of territorial sea is closed for bottom trawl fisheries over whole year (UNEP -MAPRAC/SPA, 2014).

Fishing gears could be made from natural or synthetic fibers. Among synthetic fibers the following are used: polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl alcohol. The polyamide (PA) fibres are the most frequently used for fishing gears and they are manufactured in several types differing in their chemical components and also in some properties, e.g. the melting point (Klust, 1982).

Synthetic fishing nets can be left or lost in the seas by fishermen, known as ghost nets. In these nets sea animals can be entangled. Under physical and chemical conditions ghost nets degraded in the sea into the small plastic pieces “microplastic”. For this reason fishing activities could contribute to microplastic pollution to the sea.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

2 Materials and Methods During the DeFishGear project protocols for the assessment of microplastic pollution on the sea surface and beach sediments were developed and composed in final document: “Recommendation on regional approach to monitoring and assessment of microplastic in the marine environment” (Kovač Viršek et al., 2015).

The DeFishGear protocols were developed by the DeFishGear project partners based on existing recommended methods for microplastics sampling and analysis. These recommended methods strongly rely on different relevant marine Directives and Conventions applied in the Mediterranean and abroad (Marine Strategy Framework Directive, various guidance documents for the common implementation of MSFD, OSPAR-Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, etc.).

Some of the partners made some modifications of the protocol and they are specified in each section on the sampling and sample analysis.

2.1 Sea surface sampling and sample analysis In addition to detailed description of methodology, general features of monitoring strategy have also been defined in the relevant DeFishGear Monitoring Protocols. Therefore Albania, Croatia, Greece and Italy sampled sea surface microplastics in the predetermined locations according to the mathematical model for litter accumulation developed by CMCC (Mediterranean Centre for Climatic Change), whereas Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia performed their sea surface monitoring activities on randomly chosen locations.

2.1.1 Sampling 2.1.1.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina Sampling activities related to the assessment of sea surface microplastics in fishing area in Bosnia and Herzegovina were performed in Neum aquatorium (Neum bay) (Figure 1) on two locations in May 2015. Sampling data are presented in Appendix 1, Table A1.

The protocol “Recommendation on regional approach…” (Kovač Viršek et al., 2015) within the DFG project, was followed.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Figure 1: Sea surface sampling transects in fishing areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2.1.1.2 Croatia In Croatia, sea surface of fishing areas was sampled for microplastics in 3 areas from Split to Island Vis (Splitski kanal, Viški kanal, Biševski kanal) in June 2015. The protocol “Recommendation on regional approach…” (Kovač Viršek et al., 2015) within the DFG project, was followed. Samples were collected from 10 sea surface transects (Figure 2), 4 in Splitski kanal, 4 in Viški kanal and 2 in Biševski kanal. The locations were predetermined according to possible litter accumulations caused by sea currents and fishing activities. Within the area covered by surface sampling were included locations near urban places near the coast as well as the channel waters and the open sea. Sampling data are described in Appendix 1, Table A2 and Table A3.

Figure 2: Sea surface sampling transects in fishing areas of Croatia (red labels).

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

2.1.1.3 Greece In Greece, sea surface was sampled for microplastics on 3 areas around Corfu Island (Otranto Straits, North Ionian waters, Kerkyraikos Gulf) in April 2015. The protocol “Recommendation on regional approach…” (Kovač Viršek et al., 2015) within the DFG project, was followed.

In Otranto Straits, the South Adriatic, four manta net transects were conducted. In the North Ionian waters, five manta net transects were done. Finally, in Kerkyraikos Gulf microplastic samples were collected from six manta net transects (Figure 3). All details about sampling data are in Appendix 1, Table A4.

Figure 3: Sea surface sampling transects in fishing areas around Corfu island (Greece).

2.1.1.4 Italy In Italy, 2 transects perpendicular to the coast on the Northern Adriatic Sea were selected, Porto Garibaldi and Cesenatico. In each transect 4 sampling stations were located at different distance from the coast (0.5, 3, 10 and 20 km). Porto Garibaldi transect was constituted from 4 sampling stations (PG4_S, 304_S, 1004_S, 2004_S). The sampling stations are strongly influenced by Porto Garibaldi River. The stations were sampled in May 2015 (sampling data in Appendix 1, Table A6). Cesenatico transect was constituted from 4 sampling stations (PG14_S, 314_S, 1014_S, 2014_S). The samplings were carried out in April 2015 (Figure 4) (sampling data in Appendix 1, Table A5).

In Italy a few modifications of the protocol “Recommendation on regional approach…” (Kovač Viršek et al., 2015) was used: 1) manta net aperture: 25 x 50 cm; 2) mesh size 330 µm; 3) duration of sampling was 20 min.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Figure 4: Sea surface sampling transects in fishing areas of Cesenatico (Italy).

2.1.1.5 Slovenia In Slovenia, sea surface was sampled for microplastics almost in all Slovenian coast from Piran to Koper, in May 2015 (Figure 5) (Appendix 1, Table A7). Other sampling data referred to this survey are described in Appendix 1. The sampling was conducted with manta net according to the protocol described in the document “Recommendation on regional approach…” (Kovač Viršek et al., 2015).

There were no adaptations of the protocol.

Figure 5: Sea surface sampling transects in fishing areas of Slovenia.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

2.1.2 Microplastic separation from the sea surface Microplastic separation from the sea surface samples were performed according to Recommendation on regional approachâ&#x20AC;Ś, 2015. Modification of the protocol from above mention document was developed in Greece. There they have the problem with large amounts of organic matter, which was solved by the use of two sieves in faze of cleaning the sample (a 1 mm and a 300 Îźm sieves, one on top of the other), in order to separate small particles from the large gelatinous lumps or the seaweeds.

Samples were always rinsing with seawater in order to facilitate separation. One sample in Kerkyraikos Gulf during April 2015 was exceptionally dense in floating seaweed and its treatment included also several times of flotation.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

3 Results 3.1 National level 3.1.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina The amount of microplastic particles found in the sea surface samples in fishing area of Bosnia and Herzegovina was 175 particles per km2 for T1 and 50 particles per km2 for T2 (Figure 6). Average concentration was 112 ± 88 particles per km2.

200

items/km²

150 100 50 0 T1

T2 sampling transect

Figure 6: Microplastic concentrations (items/km2) in fishing area of Bosnia and Herzegovina on two transects sampled in May 2015.

% of microplastic category

The most commonly found microplastic category was other (62,5 % – 100 %), followed by filaments (25 %), and fragments (12,5 %). Films, granules, foams and pellets were not present in any transect (Figure 7).

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

T1

T2

Other

62,50%

100,00%

Filaments

25,00%

0,00%

Films

0,00%

0,00%

Granules

0,00%

0,00%

Fragments

12,50%

0,00%

Pellets

0,00%

0,00%

Foams

0,00%

0,00% Sampling transect

Figure 7: microplastic categories per each sea surface transect of fishing areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

3.1.2 Croatia The average of microplastic particles per km2 was 1.58 x 104 Âą 0.32 x 104. The number of microparticles per km2 was in the range of 1.12 x 104â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1.93 x 104, with less difference in microplastic concentration among transects, but the concentration decreased with the distance from the coast (Figure 8).

25000

items/km2

20000 15000 10000 5000 0 SD12

SD13

SD14

SD17

SD20

Sampling site

Figure 8: Microplastic concentrations (items/km2) in fishing area of Croatia on five transects.

% of microplastic category

Among microplastic categories filaments were the most common category in SD12, SD14 and SD20 samples with percentages of 33.33%, 43.75% and 92.31%, respectively. Occurrence of fragments were the highest in samples SD17 (50.98%) and SD13 (48.21%). Abundance of films varied from 7.69% to 31.37%. Other categories have not been found, except the foamed plastic with the bigger amount in samples S13 (26.39%) and SD12 (20.83%) (Figure 9).

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

SD12

SD13

SD14

SD17

SD20

Fragments

19,44%

48,21%

29,17%

50,98%

0,00%

Filaments

33,33%

14,29%

43,75%

7,84%

92,31%

Films

26,39%

14,29%

22,92%

31,37%

7,69%

Pellets

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

Granules

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

Foams

20,83%

23,21%

4,17%

9,80%

0,00%

Other

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

Sampling transect

Figure 9: Microplastic categories per each sea surface transect of fishing areas in Croatia.

12

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

3.1.3 Greece In the fishing area of the Southern Adriatic and Kerkiraikos Gulf microplastic items ranged from 2.9 x 104 items/km2 to 91.1 x 104 items/km2 (average 23.7 x 104 ± 22.3 x 104 items/km2) (Figure 10). In terms of mass (g) the densities varied from 6 g/km2 to 792 g/km2 (average 196 ± 225 g/km2) (Figure 11).

1.600.000 1.400.000

Items/km2

1.200.000 1.000.000 800.000 600.000 400.000 200.000

4-15M

4-14M

4-13M

4-12M

4-11M

4-10M

4-9M

4-8M

4-7M

4-6M

4-5M

4-4M

4-3M

4-2M

4-1M

0

Sampling transect

4-15M

4-14M

4-13M

4-12M

4-11M

4-10M

4-9M

4-8M

4-7M

4-6M

4-5M

4-4M

4-3M

4-2M

900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

4-1M

g/km2

Figure 10: Microplastic concentrations (items/km2) in fishing area of Greece on fifteen transects (transects 1M -9M were located in the area of Southern Adriatic and transects 10M – 15M were in Kerkiraikos gulf).

Sampling transect

Figure 11: Microplastic concentrations (g/km2) in fishing area of Greece on fifteen transects (transects 1M – 9M were located in the area of Southern Adriatic and transects 10M-15M were in Kerkiraikos gulf).

The predominant type of microplastics were fragments. Concerning the size fractions of fragments (5 mm – 1 mm or 1 mm - 0.3 mm) it appears that the smaller fraction were consistently more abundant in all samples varying from 51% to 76% (with the exception of sample 4-1). We should note here that foams were counted as fragments in the present analysis. Filaments in both size fractions had a very

13

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region small contribution and large size filaments (1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 mm) were absent. Only two pellets was recorded in sample 4-8 contributing to 0,33% of total number of microplastics at this stations (Figure 12).

100%

% of microplastic category

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

4-15M

4-14M

4-13M

4-12M

4-11M

4-10M

4-9M

4-8M

4-7M

4-6M

4-5M

4-4M

4-3M

4-2M

4-1M

0%

Sampling transect >5 mm

<5 mm fragments

<5mm filaments

<1mm fragments

<1mmfilaments

pellets

Figure 12: Microplastic categories per each sea surface transect of fishing areas in Greece (transects 1m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9m were located in the area of Southern Adriatic and transects 10M â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15M were in Kerkiraikos gulf).

3.1.4 Italy In fishing areas of Italy the biggest amount of microplastic (items/km2) was observed in the sampling transect number 14 during April 2015 (Figure 14). In particular, the highest value was recorded 10 km distance from the coast in the station 1014_S (3.2 x 106 items/km2), where the quantity of microplastics recorded was 5 times higher compared to the values observed in the other stations of the same transect. High quantity of microplastics was also observed in the transect 4, where station PG4_S reached values up to 4.3 x 105 items/km2 (Figure 13).

14

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region 500000

Items/km²

400000 300000 200000 100000 0 PG4_S

304_S

1004_S

2004_S

Sampling transect

Figure 13: Microplastic concentrations (items/km2) in fishing area of Italy in transect 4.

3500000 3000000

Items/km²

2500000 2000000 1500000 1000000 500000 0 C14_S

314_S

1014_S

2014_S

Sampling transect

Figure 14: Microplastic concentrations (items/km2) in fishing area of Italy in transect 14.

The weight of the microplastic particles followed the same trends observed for the number of microplastic detected in the transect 14 during April (Figure 14, 16). On the contrary, different patterns were reported for the transect 4 during May where station 304_S was characterized by low amount of plastic with high mass value (Figure 13, 15).

15

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region 160 140

g/km²

120 100 80 60 40 20 0 PG4_S

304_S

1004_S

2004_S

Sampling transect

Figure 15: Microplastic concentrations (g/km2) in fishing area of Italy in transect 4.

4000 3500

g/km²

3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 C14_S

314_S

1014_S

2014_S

Sampling transect

Figure 16: Microplastic concentrations (g/km2) in fishing area of Italy in transect 14.

In all the sampling stations fragments were predominant in the microplastics composition, ranging between 63% and 90% (Figure 17, 18). Pellets and filaments were almost absent in both transects.

Films were detected in different amounts (1.6 - 21.05%) in all the sampling stations. Foam showed also high variability depending on the site and period sampled, ranging between 0.73% and 24%.

16

% of microplastic category

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

PG4_S

304_S

1004_S

2004_S

Other

0,00

0,00

0,00

0,00

Foam

0,73

2,38

5,00

10,53

Granules

2,44

0,60

2,50

0,00

Pellets

0,00

0,00

0,00

0,00

Films

4,64

5,95

12,50

21,05

Filaments

0,00

0,60

0,00

5,26

Fragments

92,19

90,48

80,00

63,16

Sampling transect

% of microplastic category

Figure 17: Microplastic categories per each sea surface transect of fishing areas in Italy for the transect 4.

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

C14_S

314_S

1014_S

Other

2014_S

0,00

0,00

0,00

0,00

Foam

9,57

9,68

3,55

24,00

Granules

0,89

0,00

2,29

0,00

Pellets

0,00

0,00

0,62

0,00

Films

1,60

19,35

17,00

8,00

Filaments

4,79

0,00

0,15

0,00

Fragments

83,16

70,97

76,39

68,00

Sampling transect

Figure 18: Microplastic categories per each sea surface transect of fishing areas in Italy for the transect 14.

17

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

3.1.5 Slovenia In fishing area of Slovenia, the amount of microplastics found in the sea surface samples was in range from 9.2 x 105 to 2.3 x 106 particles per km2 (items/km2) with minimum abundance on sampling site S3 and maximum abundancy on sampling site S1 (Figure 19). In average there were 1.4 x 106 Âą 6.4 x 105 items per km2.

2500000

items/km²

2000000 1500000 1000000 500000 0 S1

S2

S3

S4

Sampling transect

Figure 19: Microplastic concentrations (items/km2) in fishing area of Slovenia.

g/km²

The weight of the microplastics followed the similar trend as observed for the number of microplastics, with the highest mass for the S1 sample. Otherwise, the weight of microplastics in samples was in range from 157 to 807 g per km2, with minimum weight at sampling site S3 and maximum weight at sampling site S1 (Figure 20). The data for the weight of the categories filaments and other are excluded.

900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 S1

S2 S3 Sampling transect

S4

Figure 20: Microplastic concentrations (g/km2) in fishing area of Slovenia.

The predominant type of microplastics were fragments for samples S1, S2 and S4, in range from 53% 63%, and filaments for the sample S3 (58%) (Figure 21). Films, granules and foams were absent at some sampling sites and were at least represented types of microplastic composition with maximum of 0,40% for foams at sampling site S3, and 6,85% for films and 1,03% for granules at sampling site S2.

Pellets were absent from all sampling sites (Figure 21).

18

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

% of microplastic category

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

S1

S2

S3

S4

other

4,79%

6,85%

1,98%

2,52%

foam

0,36%

0,34%

0,40%

0,00%

granules

0,24%

1,03%

0,00%

0,00%

pellets

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

0,00%

films

2,04%

6,85%

0,79%

0,00%

filaments

29,46%

31,85%

57,94%

42,27%

fragments

63,11%

53,08%

38,89%

55,21%

Sampling transect

Figure 21: Microplastic categories per each sea surface transect of fishing areas in Slovenia.

3.1.6 Regional level On regional level the maximal and minimal average concentrations of microplastics were measured in Italy (7.4 x 103 – 3.2 x 106 items/km2). The average number of microplastic pollution in Adriatic Sea on the sea surface of fishing areas was measured as 4.3 x 105 ± 5.6 x 105 items per km2. Among measures there were a high diversity among samples, the highest in Italy, Slovenia and Greece (Figure 22).

3500000

items/km²

3000000 2500000 2000000 1500000 1000000 500000 0

Bosnia and Hr

Croatia

Greece

Italy

Slovenia

min (items/km2)

50

11200

28699

7434

916363

max (items/km2)

175

19300

910727

3234330

2319444

average

112

15800

237803

536333

1362588

min (items/km2)

max (items/km2)

average

Figure 22: the comparison of average and range of microplastic concentration (items/km2) among fishing areas of Adriatic countries.

19

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

3.2 Size distribution By image analysis software particles sizes were measured for Greece, Italian and Slovenian samples.

Measures were done for categories: fragments, films, pellets, granules and other. The length of filaments were not measured, since this methodically was not possible. In Greece, microplastic particles were classified into three classes: <1 mm, 1-5 mm, >5 mm, among which class <1 mm was the most abundant (2844 particles), followed by class 1-5 mm (1566 particles) and at least class >5 mm (133 particles) (Appendix 2, Table A8).

In Italy and Slovenia, microplastic particles were measured by image analysis software very precisely and average size of microplastic particles were calculated and extremes determined. Average size of microplastic particles was 2.78 Âą 1.65 for Italy and 1.87 Âą 0.97 for Slovenia. In Italy and Slovenia particles were very variable in length, since their measurements were in range from 0.02 up to 5 mm in Slovenia and from 0.11 to 17.28 in Italy. According to the data of the image analysis there were some mesoparticles included in the sample (maximum lengths over 5 mm), but average lengths from all categories were smaller than 5 mm, therefore they were in average microparticles. All results are presented in Appendix 2, Table A9 and Table A10.

3.3 Chemical analysis 3.3.1 Croatia The most abundant material among microplastic particles in fishing area of Croatia was polyethylene (PE), followed by polystyrene (PS). In a few percent the calcium stearate was also presented, which is not plastic material (Figure 23).

5%

35%

60%

PE

PS

Calcium stereate

Figure 23: Chemical composition of microplastic for the sea surface samples in Croatia.

3.3.2 Greece The most abundant material among microplastic particles in fishing area of Greece was also PE, followed by polypropylene (PP). In a few percent also PS, polyvinil chloride (PVC) and polyethylene teraphalate (PET) were presented (Figure 24).

20

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region 4%

2%

1%

18%

75% PE

PP

PS

PVC

PET

Figure 24: Chemical composition of microplastic for the sea surface samples in Greece.

3.3.3 Slovenia Chemical analysis of microplastic particles in fishing area of Slovenia revealed that polyethylene (PE) was the most common type of plastic, followed by PP. Other types of plastic compound found were polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) (Figure 25).

2%

1%

1% 3%

7%

59% PE

PP

PA

PS

PET

EVA

Figure 25: Chemical composition of microplastic for the sea surface samples in Slovenia.

21

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

4 Discussion The sources of microplastic pollution on the sea surface are divided into the four types (larger plastic litter, cleaning products, medicines and textiles) (Browne, 2015), among which larger plastic litter is the only source of microplastics on which fishing activities can influence. The most common litter produced by fishing activities are fishing gears (Galgani et al., 2015), “mesh cells” mainly used in mollusc farming and styrophone boxes. Fishing gears are made usually from Nylon 6 and can degrade into the microplastic categories filaments, “mesh cells” are made from polypropylene and can degrade into the fragments and styrofoam boxes are made from polystyrene and can degrade into the foamed microplastic.

The results of microplastic pollution in fishing areas of the Adriatic Sea represents relatively high concentrations of microplastic particles (4.3 x 105 items/km2), where Slovenia and Italy have the highest contribution to such results. In comparison with the results of DeFishGear sampling in 2014, where sampling was performed in accumulation zones of the Adriatic Sea, that were actually more or less on the same locations, the mean concentration was for 2x higher. Samples that contribute to high mean microplastic concentration are samples from Italy (1014_S) and Slovenia (S1, S3 and S4), which were above one million. In the case of Italian and Slovenian results the weather conditions were most probably contribute to high microplastic concentrations, while strong wind from the south was flowing on these days of sampling.

The estimation of microplastic pollution in distinct area is determined by several factors. Factors that influence on the final result in the process of sampling are: 1) weather conditions (wind speed and direction, direction of sea currents and direction of boat movement) – if boat is moving in opposite direction than sea currents, more microplastic should be caught; 2) the quantity of seston, in which microplastic particles collide and accumulate; 3) specific conditions related to sampling microlocation (near the city, river outflow, outflow of waste water treatment plant, harbour…). Factors that influence on final result in the process of separation of microplastic particles from the sample are: 1) the quantity of seston, which make separation difficult, 2) the quality of stereomicroscope, where polarization light could help to distinguish among plastic and non plastic particles, 3) the experience and precision of working person and 4) the laboratorium room, which need to be clean and closed, due to contamination of samples with air born filaments, can strongly influence on final results.

Among microplastic categories, fragments were the most common category (19% - 92%) in all countries, except Bosnia and Herzegovina, where category other was the most abundant. Microplastic category of filaments were mostly presented in Slovenia and Croatia (8% - 92%). In Croatia and Italy category of foams was identified as the third most common category (0% – 24%). In accordance with microplastic categories, PE was the most commonly identified plastic material (60% - 75%), since polyethylene is the most widely used plastic material, primarily used in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles), that can degraded into the fragments and films.

The second most commonly identified plastic material was polystyrene (1% – 35%), what is in line with presence of foams.

The correlation among microplastic pollution and fishing activities is hard to prove. Because of small size of microplastic particles, the source of origin is impossible to determine in comparison with large plastic litter. From microplastics just predictions can be done on the basis of chemical identification in combination with microplastic categories. When the sources are trying to identify also a lot of factors that influence on microplastic distribution have to be considered. The distribution of microplastics is

22

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region mainly influenced by oceanographic features (currents and waves), which are responsible for different accumulation rates of microplastic in marine environment (Galgani, 2014; Andrady, 2011; Browne et al., 2011) and land based sources of litter, where riverine inputs and sewage discharges are one of the most important sources of marine litter. It is estimated that 80% of marine litter is land based (UNEP, 2005).

Adriatic Sea is one of the most important fishing area in Mediterranean, with the fishing fleet about 10.000 operating fishing vessels (Mannini et al., 2004). On the basis of knowledge about derelict fishing gears in the Adriatic region and fishing activities reported to European Union, fishing activities have impact on microplastic pollution, but it cannot be precisely evaluated.

23

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

5 Conclusions    

The average microplastic concentration in the fishing areas of Adriatic region was measured as 4.3 x 105 items/km2 Fragments was the most common microplastic category in the fishing areas of Adriatic region, followed by filaments and foams.

Polyethylene was the most common plastic material in the fishing areas of Adriatic region, followed by polystyrene and polypropylene.

On the basis of knowledge about derelict fishing gear in the Adriatic region and fishing activities reported to European Union, fishing activities have impact on microplastic pollution, but it cannot be precisely evaluated.

24

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

6 References Andrady, A.L., 2011. Microplastics in the marine environment. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 62, 1596–1605.

Browne, M.A. (2015). Sources and pathways of microplastics to habitats. In: Marine anthropogenic litter. Springer International Publishing. 229-244.

Browne, M.A., Crump, P., Niven, S.J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., Galloway, T., Thompson, R. (2011).

Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines woldwide: sources and sinks. Environmental science & technology, 45 (21): 9175-9179.

Galgani, F. (2014). Distribution, composition and abundance of marine litter in Mediterranean and Black Seas. CIESM 2014 Workshop Monograph n◦46 (Ed. Briand F.), 23-30. CIESM Publisher, Monaco.

Galgani, F., Hanke, G., Maes, T. (2015). Global distribution, composition and abundance of marine litter. In: Marine anthropogenic litter. Springer International Publishing, 29 – 56.

Klust, G. (1982). Netting materials for fishing gear.

Kovač Viršek, M., Palatinus, A., Kaberi, H., Tsangaris, C., Mazziotti C. (2015). Recommendation on regional approach to monitoring and assessment of microplastic in the marine environment. The document produced within the project DeFishGear (1°str/00010), IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013.

Kovač Viršek, M. (2016). Strategic recommendation for improving marine litter management in the Adriatic Sea in the field of microplastic pollution. The document produced within the project DeFishGear (1°str/00010), IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013.

Mannini, P., Messa, F., Milone, N. (2004). Adriatic Sea fisheries: outline of some main facts. In: AdiaMed Seminar on Fishing Capacity: Definition, Measurement and Assessment. FAO- MiPAF Scientific Cooperation to Support Responsable Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea. GCP/RER/010/ITA/Td-13 13: 13-33.

UNEP'S REGIONAL SEAS PROGRAMME (2005). Marine litter: an analytical overview. UNEP. UNEP-MAP-RAC/SPA. (2014). Status and Conservation of Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea. By Farrugio H., Soldo A. Draft internal report for the purposes of the Mediterranean Regional Workshop to Facilitate the Description of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas, Malaga, Spain, 7-11 April 2014.

25

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Appendices Appendix 1: Sampling data – sea surface Bosnia and Herzegovina Table A1: Sampling data of sea surface survey on 30th and 31th of May 2015 in Neum bay, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sample ID Sampling date (d/m/y) Time Start Lat (Y) point Lon (X)

2 AB

2 CD

30/05/2015

31/05/2015

08:15

8:30

42°43`17.24``

42°55`31.34``

17°36`22.41``

17°36`1.01``

08:45

9:00

Stop point Lat (Y)

42°55`31.34``

42°55`45.68``

Lon (X)

17°36`1.01``

17°35`43.22``

Average speed (kn)

2.4

2.4

Transect length (km)

2.33

2.36

Time

Croatia Table A2: Sampling data of sea surface survey on 3rd of June 2015 near Split, Croatia.

Sample ID

SD11

SD12

SD13

SD14

SD15

Sampling date (d/m/y) Time

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

8:18

9:08

9:50

10:35

11:15

Start point Lat (Y) Lon (X)

43°30'18.32" 43°27'41.55"

43°18'46.34"

43°29'5.50"

43°29'21.58"

Time Stop point Lat (Y) Lon (X)

16°21'41.27" 16°22'23.92" 16°11'52.61"I 16°29'13.99" 16°27'26.95" 43°32'28.06" 43°24'57.45"

43°16'55.70"

43°27'49.61" 43°29'41.83" 16°31'56.95" 16°24'20.58"

16°21'3.79"

16°21'0.15"

16° 9'6.59"

8:48:00 2.2

9:38:00

10:20

11:05

11:45

3

2.9

2.7

2.8

2.47

2.53

3.35

2.81

2.69

Sea state (0 - 9 B)

1

0

0

0

0

Wind velocity (1 - 12 B)

1

1

1

1

1

Wind direction (°)

N

NE

NE

NE

NE

Average speed (kn) Transect length (nmi)

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region Table A3: Sampling data of sea surface survey on 19th of December 2014 near Split, Croatia.

Sample ID

SD16

SD17

SD18

SD19

SD20

Sampling date (d/m/y)

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

03/06/2015

12:35

13:40

14:20

15:30

16:10

43°18'23.56" 43°10'30.72" 43°19'31.55"

43°11'20.18

43° 2'1.72"

16°23'59.29"

16° 6'45.05"

16°17'7.26"

16°14'25.15"

16° 4'51.72"

43°20'38.39"

43° 7'47.81"

43°20'52.34" 43°11'56.51" 42°59'48.77"

16°24'35.41"

16° 8'25.36"

16°13'19.31" 16°17'37.15"

14:10

14:50

16:00

16:40

Average speed (kn)

13:05 2.2

3

2.8

2.8

2.6

Transect length (nmi)

2.39

2.7

3.23

3.24

2.7

Sea state (0 - 9 B)

0

0

0

0

0

Wind velocity (1 - 12 B)

0

1

1

1

1

Wind direction (°)

/

NE

NE

NE

NE

Time Start point Lat (Y) Lon (X) Time Stop point Lat (Y) Lon (X)

16° 0'40.60"

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Greece Table A4: Sampling data of sea surface survey from 23th to 27th April 2015 near Corfu Island, Greece.

Date

Time Start

Stop

Sample

Start N

End E

N

E

Speed Distance (knots) (km)

25/04/2015 18:15 18:50 4-11M 39.49427 20.11937 39.47622 20.12913

2.1

2.18

27/04/2015 16:03 16:39 4-12M 39.47498 20.1767 39.49347 20.17308

2.0

2.08

25/04/2015 08:30 09:05 4-13M

39.6399 19.95055 39.62583 19.96623

1.9

2.06

25/04/2015 09:27 10:02 4-14M 39.65448 19.98473 39.64163 20.00168

1.9

2.04

25/04/2015 10:24 10:59 4-15M 39.26038 19.79242 39.24233 19.79775

1.8

1.96

23/04/2015 11:20 12:00

4-1M

39.84028 19.28047 39.85458 19.26572

2.0

2.03

23/04/2015 13:12 13:47

4-2M

39.84915 19.29083 39.86837 19.2789

2.2

2.37

23/04/2015 14:12 14:57

4-3M

39.8601 19.31275 39.8413

19.3222

1.6

2.24

23/04/2015 15:20 16:05

4-4M

39.8553 19.34077 39.83483 19.3424

1.7

2.28

26/04/2015 10:16 10:51

4-5M

39.26038 19.79242 39.24233 19.79775

1.9

2.15

26/04/2015 11:11 11:46

4-6M

39.25973 19.77075 39.2405 19.77378

2.0

2.15

26/04/2015 12:08 12:43

4-7M

39.25958 19.74813 39.24115 19.74758

2.0

2.05

26/04/2015 13:16 13:51

4-8M

39.26267

19.82365

1.9

2.05

26/04/2015 14:05 14:40

4-9M

39.28573 19.8471 39.30303 19.84787

1.8

1.93

1.9

1.96

19.823

25/04/2015 17:20 17:56 4-10M 39.49667 20.07922

39.281 39.479

20.07945

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Italy Table A5: Sampling data of sea surface surveys on 23rd of April 2015 near Cesenatico, Italy.

Sample ID

14

314

1014

2014

23/04/2015

23/04/2015

23/04/2015

23/04/2015

Time

11:32

11:01

10:11

09:29

Lat (Y)

44°12.777

44°13.275

44°14.874

44°17.059

Lon (X)

12°24.189

12°25.862

12°30.672

12°37.399

Time

11:52

11:21

10:31

09:49

Lat (Y)

44°13.680

44°12.330

44°15.107

44°17.705

Lon (X)

12°23.417

12°26.478

12°28.939

12°36.271

4.1 knots

3.8 knots

3.9 knots

1.21

1.97

1.95

2.3

Sea state (0 - 9 D)

2

2

0

2

Wind velocity (1 - 12 B)

2

2

0

2

N-NW

N

/

S/SW

Sampling date (d/m/y) Start point

Stop point

Average speed (kn) Transect length (nmi)

Wind direction (°)

Table A6: Sampling data of sea surface surveys on 14th of May 2015 near Porto Garibaldi, Italy.

Sample ID

4

304

1004

2004

Sampling date (d/m/y)

14/05/2015

14/05/2015

14/05/2015

14/05/2015

Time

11:06

10:36

09:55

09:10

Lat (Y)

44°39.558

44°39.327

44°38.720

44°37.510

Lon (X)

12°15.492

12°17.410

12°22.576

12°28.500

Time

11:26

10:56

10:15

09:30

Lat (Y)

44°38.474

44°38.296

44°37.794

44°37.351

Lon (X)

12°16.286

12°17.039

12°23.519

12°29.750

4.2 knots

4.2 knots

3.4 knots

Start point

Stop point

Average speed (kn) Transect length (nmi)

1.8

2.3

2

2.1

Sea state (0 - 9 D)

2

2

1

2

Wind velocity (1 - 12 B)

2

2

1

2

Wind direction (°)

SW

NE

NE

NW

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Slovenia Table A7: Sampling data of sea surface surveys on 11th of May 2015, Slovenia.

Sample ID

S1

S2

S3

S4

11/5/2015

11/5/2015

11/5/2015

11/5/2015

Time

9:20

10:48

12:30

13:15

Lat (Y)

45°29`88.7``

45°32`689

45°33`35.2``

45°33`46.3``

Lon (X)

13°33`58.6``

13°33`160

13°36`84.9``

13°40`45.6``

Time

10:00

10:05

12:50

13:42

Lat (Y)

45°30`74.6``

45°32`993

45°33`42.2``

45°33`51.9``

Lon (X)

13°32`22.7``

13°34`950

13°38`62.3``

13°42`22.8``

2.5

2.1

2.5

3

1.242

1.295

1.242

1.249

Sampling date Start point

Stop point

Average speed (kn) Transect length (nmi)

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Appendix 2: Size distribution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sea surface Greece Table A8: Number of microplastic particles according to its length, Greece.

Sample name

Category

4-1M

fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments filaments fragments

4-2M 4-3M 4-4M 4-5M 4-6M 4-7M 4-8M 4-9M 4-10M 4-11M 4-12M 4-13M 4-14M 4-15M

Nr of particles < 1 mm

Nr of particles 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 mm 35

Nr of particles > 5 mm 6

144

51

5

116

57

12

56

53

6

316

154

19

184

92

7

216

115

9

340

273

19

140

62

5

176

58

3

96

37

260

81

64

38

72

55

2

664

405

37

3

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Italy Table A9: Results of image analyses: average, standard deviation, maximum and minimum length of the different microplastic categories collected in the sea surface sampling transects for the year 2015, Italy.

Data

Sample name

Category

2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-05-14 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23 2015-04-23

PG4_S PG4_S PG4_S PG4_S 304_S 304_S 304_S 304_S 304_S 1004_S 1004_S 1004_S 1004_S 2004_S 2004_S 2004_S 2004_S C14_S C14_S C14_S C14_S C14_S 314_S 314_S 314_S 1014_S 1014_S 1014_S 1014_S 1014_S 1014_S 2014_S 2014_S 2014_S

fragments films granules foam fragments filaments films granules foam fragments films granules foam fragments filaments films foam fragments filaments films granules foam fragments films foam fragments filaments films pellets granules foam fragments films foam

Nr of particles Average length Max length 5 - 0.3 mm ± SD (mm) (mm) 755 38 20 6 152 1 10 1 4 32 5 1 2 12 1 4 2 469 27 9 5 54 22 6 3 3469 7 772 28 104 161 17 2 6

1.22 ± 1.00 2.88 ± 1.98 0.56 ± 0.25 1.20 ± 0.43 1.21 ± 0.84 3.75 ± 2.14 1.41 ± 0.17 1.98 ± 1.26 6.04 ± 2.30 5.03 ± 2.48 1.68 ± 0.76 1.85 ± 0.66 2.92 ± 1.70 1.31 ± 1.74 2.26 ± 2.72 3.41 ± 2.90 0.58 ± 0.80 3.78 ± 2.35 1.33 ± 1.88 3.57 ± 2.79 1.66 ± 2.79 2.24 ± 1.31 9.12 ± 2.65 5.04 ± 2.22 3.92 ± 1.53 0.69 ± 1.10 2.33 ± 1.37 3.12 ± 1.76 4.48 ± 1.84 3.09 ± 1.87

7.59 7.93 1.15 1.82 4.66 7.8 1.61 5.18 8.6 6.79 3.46 2.33 4.12 17.28 15.87 15.87 3.87 15.87 17.28 17.28 17.28 10.38 17.28 16.89 5.21 6.7 7.26 6.61 7.73 7.73

Min length (mm) 0.18 0.38 0.11 0.62 0.3 1.04 1.2 0.49 2.66 3.28 0.56 0.92 1.71 0.25 0.27 0.3 0.29 0.29 0.25 0.74 0.74 0.31 0.98 0.26 0.39 0.31 0.26 0.62 0.62 0.62

Derelict Fishing Gear management system in the Adriatic Region

Slovenia Table A10: results of image analyses: Number of particles in each category, average length with standard deviation, maximum and minimum length of particles [mm] in sea surface samples from August 2015, Slovenia.

Sample name

Category

Nr of particles

S1

fragments films foam granules other fragments films foam granules other fragments films foam other fragments other

527 17 3 2 40 155 20 1 3 20 98 2 1 5 175 8

S2

S3

S4

Average length (mm) 2.68 ± 1.24 2.38 ± 1.53 1.99 ± 0.27 0.36 ± 0.21 1.75 ± 1.15 2.47 ± 1.09 2.77 ± 1.40 1.36 0.92 ± 0.12 1.55 ± 0.66 2.08 ± 1.04 3.05 ± 2.23 2.00 1.42 ± 0.85 2.29 ± 1.28 0.86 ± 0.48

Max length (mm) 4.99 4.63 2.16 0.51 5.00 4.98 4.29 1.03 3.00 4.73 4.63 2.00 4.98 2.00

Min length (mm) 0.02 0.02 1.67 0.20 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.80 0.56 0.07 1.47 0.52 0.28 0.27