Marine litter is a global problem that has significant ecological, economic, and social impacts. The problem of marine litter is complex and multifaceted, requiring new perspectives and methodologies to effectively address it. Actions against marine litter include circular economy principles, technological innovations, policy and regulation, education and awareness, citizen science, and international collaboration.

Potential contributions to the sessions are (but not limited to):

• Circular Economy: A circular economy approach could help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, encourage recycling and reuse, and create economic opportunities.
• Technological Innovations: Technological advancements such as remote sensing, autonomous vehicles, and machine learning can help detect, monitor, trackand clean up marine litter in a variety of environments.
• Microplastics: Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in different environments. Adsorption and transport of pollutants by microplastics. New analytical protocols for microplastic monitoring.
• Impacts of marine litter on biota and human health
• Policy and Regulation: Governments can implement policies and regulations to prevent marine litter from entering the ocean, such as banning single-use plastics.
• Education, Awareness and Citizen Science: Raising awareness about the impacts of marine litter and promoting sustainable behavior can help prevent litter from entering the ocean. Beyond raising awareness, citizen science initiatives could provide valuable data to inform policy and action.
• International Collaboration: Marine litter is a global problem that requires international cooperation and collaboration. International organizations can help coordinate efforts to prevent marine litter and promote sustainable solutions.

Conveners (listed alphabetically):

Prof Hrissi Karapanagioti, University of Patras, Greece (karapanagioti@upatras.gr)

Dr Angeliki Kosmopoulou, AC Laskarides Charitable Foundation (akosmopoulou@aclcf.org)

Dr Demetris F. Lekkas, University of the Aegean, Greece (dlekkas@aegean.gr)

Prof. George Papatheodorou, University of Patras, Greece (gpapathe@upatras.gr)

Prof Elia Psillakis, Technical University of Crete, Greece (elia@enveng.tuc.gr)

Dr Kostas Topouzelis, University of the Aegean, Greece (topouzelis@aegean.gr)

Dr Costas Velis, University of Leeds, UK (C.Velis@leeds.ac.uk)

Important notice: Participation in the event is free of charge for CEST2023 registered participants. Not registered for CEST2023 participants who wish to attend the session should contact us at cest@gnest.org