Marine debris management in the Adriatic Sea: a case study of Croatia

Abstract

Marine debris is a growing global environmental challenge in shaping environmental policies on all scales of governance. Growing use of environmentally harmful materials such as plastic and policy inadequacies in addressing the issue worsen the situation. So far, the research only partially addressed economic effects of marine debris focusing mainly on its social and environmental impacts. Different studies have proved economic losses caused by the marine debris in various industries such as tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and shipping.
The Mediterranean region countries are particularly sensitive to the impacts of marine debris. Croatia, as a country bordering the Mediterranean Sea with the Adriatic being its strategic development resource is suitable for the analysis of the marine debris issue. This article deals with economic impacts of marine debris and proposes strategic guidelines for future sustainable management of the Adriatic Sea to the benefit not only of Croatia, but of all the countries concerned.