Slovenian campaign uncovers tonnes of trash

An environmental campaign along the Slovenian seashore has resulted in over a tonne of waste being retrieved from seagrass meadows. Part of a broader sustainability initiative, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of seagrass meadows as natural habitats for biodiversity.

The effort brought together professional divers and volunteers who used special equipment to remove the waste entangled in the seagrass, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Each piece was carefully examined to return back into the sea any organisms that might have made it their home. "Our goal was to interfere as little as possible with the ecosystem while removing as much waste as possible," said Irena Fonda, the head of YouSea, the environmental NGO behind the campaign.

"With time, the waste breaks down into smaller pieces or leaks toxic substances, polluting the sea environment," said Fonda, a marine biologist, whose family runs a well-known seabass farm.

Seagrass meadows are key to a healthy marine ecosystem but are often overshadowed by other environmental issues.

"To many people, seagrass meadows are a nuisance while swimming, or they worry about the leaves washed ashore. But in truth, seagrass meadows are one of the most important protectors of the marine environment," Fonda said as quoted in a press release from the retailer Spar, a sponsor for the campaign.

"Seagrass meadows are incredibly important oxygen producers and natural water filters. They lessen the waves and are the habitat and the breeding grounds for a number of species," Fonda said.

Moreover, seagrass meadows stabilise the seabed and are very effective in absorbing and storing carbon monoxide, she added.