The Mediterranean Sea, although representing just 1% of the world’s ocean surface, is home to over 10% of known marine species…

Concerns are growing each year, however, that it is increasingly threatened by pollution, with around 80% of marine waste originating from land, carried by winds and rivers into the sea. This waste, primarily made up of plastics, endangers both marine habitats and species, including cetaceans, which can suffer severe injuries or fatalities from entanglement or ingestion.

A recent clean-up at Larvotto Beach, organized by the Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature (AMPN), the Club d’Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco (CESMM), and the Société Monégasque d’Assainissement (SMA), has brought to light the ongoing issue of litter and pollution in Monaco’s marine areas. Volunteers collected a total of 95 kilos of waste, with 93 kilos retrieved from underwater, highlighting the persistent presence of marine debris in the Larvotto Marine Protected Area.

Despite daily cleaning efforts and Larvotto Beach being a non-smoking zone, 554 cigarette butts were found scattered across the shore. The clean-up also uncovered various objects, including metal, PVC, plastic items, and discarded rope, which pose serious risks to marine life and the surrounding ecosystem.

The clean-up effort shows some improvement from previous years, with less waste collected than in prior operations. However, the findings emphasize the ongoing challenge of littering and the importance of sustained action to protect Monaco’s coastline and marine biodiversity. Collaborative efforts between volunteers, local authorities, and environmental organizations remain essential in addressing the pollution threatening the Mediterranean’s rich ecosystems.

The AMPN expressed gratitude to all volunteers and the Maritime and Airport Police Division for ensuring safety during the clean-up, underlining the continued need for pollution prevention and public awareness initiatives.

Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen