Challenge / Goal
The problem of riverine plastic pollution is a global challenge, with plastic debris being carried by rivers across national and political boundaries until it reaches the oceans. Addressing this issue, the Municipality of Vila do Conde has adopted a proactive stance by partnering with the MAELSTROM team to co-design and implement a Bubble Barrier in the Ave River. Originating from the Cabreira Mountain in the Minho Region, the Ave River traverses cities like Guimarães, Vizela, Santo Tirso, Trofa, and Vila do Conde before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean, making it a vital area for intervention to curb plastic pollution.
The Ave River was chosen because the river needed a solution to plastic pollution without interfering with daily river activities. Bubble Barrier Vila do Conde is the first Bubble Barrier in Portugal, and the first Bubble Barrier to stop plastic pollution from flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
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Log inImplementers
Project MAELSTROM - The Great Bubble Barrier, CNR-ISMAR, CIIMAR, Deltares, CIMA and University of Malta
Service providers
The Great Bubble Barrier
End users
The Local Municipality