It is one of the highest concentrations of plastic ever recorded.
167 Objects, Mostly Plastic, Found in the Calypso Deep, the Deepest Point in the Mediterranean Sea
167 objects, mostly plastic, have been recorded in the Calypso Deep, the deepest point in the Mediterranean Sea, as reported by France Inter on Wednesday, March 12, citing a study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. This trench is the deepest of the Mediterranean’s oceanic trenches. Located 60 km off the coast of Kefalonia Island, near the Peloponnese, it is shaped like a bean, measuring 20 km in length and 5 km in width, with a depth of 5,122 meters.
During an expedition aboard a manned submarine, the international team of scientists calculated an average of 224 pieces of waste per hectare—one of the highest concentrations ever recorded. 88% of the objects found were plastic, a material that does not decompose over time but breaks down into smaller pieces, with microplastics spreading everywhere. These debris—also including glass, metal, and paper—originate from the coastline as well as ships that have dumped them overboard.
Reaching Such Depths Requires Complex and Costly Logistics
To reach such depths, complicated and costly logistical means are required. To achieve these results, scientists used the manned submarine Limiting Factor. This vehicle is capable of carrying two passengers to the deepest oceanic trenches. During the seabed inspection, the device moves slowly—around 1.8 km/h—to capture high-quality images.
The study reveals that these debris do not impact the underwater life, which is rare in this area. Only two species were spotted: a type of grenadier fish and a crustacean. However, the study’s authors stress that urgent action is needed to stop this marine pollution. According to them, even though it is invisible, it should not be overlooked. What is at stake is the preservation of natural spaces, ocean life, and the health of humans who consume fish.
Source: francetvinfo
