February 14th, 2022 - The device collects an average of 1.5 kg of floating debris per day

A new device was recently installed in Cres port to help prevent sea pollution. Called ‘Morska škovacera’ in Croatian, the sea bin is meant to collect floating debris in the main port on Cres island.

The floating bin continuously filters seawater by collecting plastic, microplastic, detergents, oils and other substances from the surface, preventing them from floating out to sea or falling to the seabed where they can harm marine life.

The device collects an average of 1.5 kg of floating debris per day, reports Morski.hr.

A panel was installed on the pier containing more information regarding the new device and the praiseworthy project in general.

‘The floating waste arrives in the sea through the negligent behaviour of individuals, but also as a consequence of activities in various economic fields and represents a significant global environmental problem with a wide range of impact on marine life. Among the waste that reaches the sea, plastic is a special problem because it gradually decomposes into so-called microplastics which, absorbing various toxic substances and harmful microorganisms, enter into the food chain and eventually come to the table of fish consumers, endangering their health.

The goal of the project Morska škovacera is to raise awareness of the general public about the issue of floating waste and plastic in the sea, and is part of a broader effort of the Town of Cres and the island community to reduce the use of plastic and production of marine waste’, the panel reads.

The project was implemented by the local utility company Komunalne usluge Cres Lošinj d.o.o in cooperation with the County Port Authority of Cres. It’s worth around HRK38,000 and was financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.