The project aim to capitalize the INDICIT results concerning the networking, the elaboration of standard guidelines, the collection of large standard data set and the evaluation of GES scenario for the indicator “Litter ingested by sea turtles”, as well as the identification of the key elements for the implementation of two other indicators for the monitoring of litter impacts “Biota entanglement in debris” and “Microdebris ingestion by biota”.

The general objectives are (1) to capitalize the practical outcomes related to networking, development of standardized tools, gathering of standard data and GES assessments for the Indicator “Litter ingested by sea turtles”, (2) to support the implementation of the indicators “Entanglement of sea turtles, birds, cetaceans in floating debris” and “Micro-plastic ingestion by fish and sea turtles”, (3) to support of next 6-year cycle of MSFD implementation by testing the indicators (especially the more advanced “Litter ingested by sea turtles”) in response to National PoM’s in several pilot areas. By developing standardized knowledge for several fauna taxa at an extended spatial level, the new project will contribute to providing integrative tools to assess anthropogenic risks and distance to GES especially in the framework of the Descriptor 10. Finally, the project also aims to foster synergies with other UE programs and the transfer to competent authorities in 3 of the regional priorities targeted by this call, i.e. the North-East Atlantic Ocean, the Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean.