A recent report by the European Commission estimates that there are five hundred times more microplastics on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way!

It is therefore extremely important to promote awareness and the adoption of policies, good practices, and behaviours that can reverse the current situation. This is also the mission of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and MAELSTROM (Smart technology for MArinE Litter SusTainable RemOval and Management) team, which is promoting a sunset beach cleanup, followed by a stargazing session, to celebrate the World Cleanup Day on September 16th.

The MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup is a joint action between the CIIMAR, Vila do Conde City Municipality, Counting Stars, Vila do Conde’s Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation Center (CMIA) and the CIMA Research Foundation. The event is supported by national and local partners such as DOCAPESCA – Portos e Lotas S.A, Águas do Norte – Grupo Águas de Portugal, FOCA – Focus On Critical Actions and UNIFARDAS. It is also part of the European EU Beach Cleanup campaign, which aims to raise awareness about marine pollution and how our habits impact the oceans.

The MAELSTROM Sunset Beach Cleanup will start at 5pm in front of the CMIA headquarters (Avenida Marquês Sá da Bandeira, 320, 4480-916 Vila do Conde; 41°20’39.6″N 8°44’44.0″ W), with a welcome reception. A brief explanation of MAELSTROM’s activities and the main causes and impacts of marine litter will be given by scientists. Following this introduction the beach cleaning will begin, culminating with a provided snack break. Our special stargazing session will begin at 9 p.m.

To guarantee everyone the best possible experience participation in the event is subject to prior registration through the link.