Transboundary Tides: Investigating Marine Plastic Pollution and Its Impact on the Black Sea Coastline

This research, funded by the DOORS project, investigates marine plastic pollution along the Black Sea coastline, focusing on its transboundary movement and long-term environmental impacts. Through extensive field surveys on beaches in Romania, including Corbu, Mamaia, and Mangalia, the study assessed the types, sources, and quantities of marine litter, particularly plastics and microplastics. By harmonizing methodologies with European standards, such as the EU MSFD and OSPAR guidelines, this research contributes to understanding how plastic waste circulates within the Black Sea region and beyond, emphasizing the urgent need for cross-border strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. The findings highlight the significant role of human activity, tourism, and regional shipping in exacerbating plastic pollution, with implications for both marine ecosystems and human well-being. The study calls for enhanced regional collaboration and policy alignment to address the transboundary nature of ocean plastic pollution.