SeaClear 1.0 & 2.0 Projects

Today's oceans contain 26-66 million tons of waste, with approximately 94% located on the seafloor. So far, collection efforts have focused mostly on surface waste, with only a few local efforts to gather underwater waste, always using human divers. No solution exists that exploits autonomous robots for underwater litter collection; the SeaClear project is developing the first. The follow-on project, SeaClear2.0, will develop an integrated approach to address the entire cycle of marine litter.This will be achieved by using teams of autonomous, intelligent robots to monitor and collect marine seafloor and surface litter, and through participatory practices to identify site-specific measures for marine litter prevention and reduction. By identifying ways to valorise litter and extend policy-making, SeaClear2.0 will provide innovative solutions for effective marine litter management, further promoting the health of oceans, seas, and water bodies.