Plastic Pollution in the Adriatic-Ionian Region: PREVENT’s First-Year Results Reveal Alarming Levels

Plastic Pollution in the Adriatic-Ionian Region: PREVENT’s First-Year Results Reveal Alarming Levels

by | Sep 19, 2025 | planet first

The first year of the PREVENT project — Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystem in Adriatic-lonian Territories, funded by the European Commission’s IPA ADRION 419, is done, which means that its partners have delivered crucial data concerning marine pollution and health in general. Since the emphasis was on plastic pollution, the results have shown alarming levels of this type of pollution across all monitored areas.

As part of PREVENT, SeaCras as the project partner co-created the cross-border monitoring system that involved 6 partners, while leveraging all of their resources at disposal for pollution monitoring. In addition to this, during the implementation of the robust and large scale monitoring system for the network of partners vast marine areas were covered.

In particular, the Croatian islands of Mljet and Korčula, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, rivermouths in Albania, Rhodos in Greece and several other locations were monitored for a range of pollution, with the main focus on plastic pollution.

Results show alarming concentrations of plastic pollution across these sites, with hotspots threatening both marine ecosystems and coastal communities that depend on them.

For example, the Pupnatska Luka beach on Korčula island, known as one of the island’s most idyllic beaches was monitored during 2024 and 2025 up to now. Despite its reputation as a paradise, it remains burdened by plastic pollution and marine debris.

Pupnatska Luka, Korčula island

Mljet island, including the Mljet National Park, faced the same challenge. In other words, it suffered from the same fate.

Sutmiholjska beach on Mljet island, where alarming rates of plast pollution were detected

Sutmiholjska Beach, Mljet island

Despite all this, solutions are on the horizon!

The collected results constitute the deliverables and the input for development of Transnational Joint Strategies and protocol that have immediate impact at reducing plastic pollution and safeguarding marine ecosystems through collaborative, cross-border action.

Next phase of PREVENT project has ambitious but obtainable goals which align with EU and global trends:

  • Joint Solution: Transnational Marine Litter Management System (JTMLMS)
  • Joint Marine Litter Prevention and Management Strategy (JMLPMS)
  • Climate Resilient Adriatic-Ionian Action Plan (CRAIAP)

To further stress the importance of this subject, the EU Mission: Restore Ocean and Waters and Global Plastic Action Partnerships are making a huge effort in the midst of the UN General Assembly 2025.

Project partners of PREVENT are the following organisations:­

  • ­Sea Cras Ltd.­­­­, Hrvatska (HR)
  • Polytechnic University of Bari, Italia (IT)
  • National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenija (SI)
  • National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Elláda (EL)
  • Development Agency of South Aegean Region –READ S.A., Elláda (EL)
  • Municipality of Vlore, Shqipëria (AL)
  • Adriatic Training and Research Centre for accidental marine pollution preparedness and response, Hrvatska (HR)
  • University of Montenegro, Crna Gora (ME)
  • University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Bitola, Severna Makedonija (MK)
  • NATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF HANDICRAFTS AND SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES TERRITORIAL ASSOC. OF LECCE, Italia (IT)
Strategic Growth of SeaCras Endorsed by BlueInvest and European Commission’s DG MARE

Strategic Growth of SeaCras Endorsed by BlueInvest and European Commission’s DG MARE

by | Sep 5, 2025 | General, Milestones

At SeaCras, our mission is clear and straightforward. To protect marine environments with cutting-edge technology that turns satellite data into real-world applications. As climate change and pollution continue to challenge the health of our seas, we are immensely proud to be endorsed by the EU Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries’ BlueInvest initiative, which has been instrumental in shaping our strategic development.

From our early beginnings, transitioning research into a business was both a challenge and an opportunity. With BlueInvest’s ongoing support, we are now able to strengthen our business strategy, refine our market approach, and better connect with key industries — from shipping and aquaculture to tourism and energy.

As a portfolio company of the European Commission, this endorsement not only validates our vision but also provides the momentum needed to scale up.

Today, SeaCras stands among the leading ocean data providers in Europe. Our AI-powered platform combines open and commercial satellite sources to detect marine emission by the MARPOL convention, marine biochemistry, maritime transport, tourism and urbanisation emissions, and other human impacts on marine ecosystems, enabling faster responses by both industry and authorities.

A recent example includes detecting a fuel leakage spill near Hvar, where early alerts allowed swift action to minimise damage, or early warning and high resolution detection of mucilage abnormal algal bloom.

SeaCras’ presence in the Adriatic region.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing for the next growth phase through new financing instruments in partnership with the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development finance instrument in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB). This investment will help us expand our team, deepen our research, and bring our services to a global market.

We are proud of how far we’ve come — and even more determined to scale our impact on ocean health worldwide.

Funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF), BlueInvest program supports startups, SMEs, and scale-ups active in ocean-based sectors, such as aquaculture, blue biotechnology, ocean observation, renewable energy, coastal protection, fisheries, maritime tourism, and shipping — by helping them become investment-ready and by facilitating their access to finance and markets.

SeaCras completed both Readiness and Fundraising Assistance programs and was a BlueInvest Awards 2022 finalist in the Ocean Observation category. It’s a recognition that underscores our role as a leading force in ocean innovation.