11 August, 2026
Last Friday, the scientific sailing vessel Bonita, operated by Expédition MED, called at Marina Port de Mallorca to give berth holders and visitors an insight into the organisation's research into plastic pollution in the Mediterranean.
During the event, attendees learned about Expédition MED's studies into the sources and behaviour of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean.
This includes research into microplastics found on the sea surface and plastics floating beneath the water before settling on the seabed.
Researchers also identify the type of polymer in each particle to determine its origin, classify the waste according to its size and shape, and study the role of Posidonia balls, which act as natural traps for microplastics and help them understand how this waste reaches the shore.
Expédition MED's research provides a better understanding of where this waste is found and where it comes from, which in turn helps develop more effective measures to protect the Mediterranean.
As part of this partnership, Marina Port de Mallorca was donated a Mr. Turbino robot created by the Recyclamer Global Aware programme, which supports initiatives to protect the marine environment through plastic waste collection and environmental awareness.
Awarded a Gold Medal at the Concours Lépine in Paris 2026, Mr. Turbino also features the Ocean Tracker tool, which records the location and details of each clean-up operation, turning the data collected into valuable information that can help improve our understanding and monitoring of the marine environment.
This initiative adds to the range of environmental projects promoted by Marina Port de Mallorca, which works with specialist organisations to encourage research, raise awareness and protect the marine environment, further underlining its commitment to safeguarding the Mediterranean.
