Typhoon Project Cleans 1,140 Tonnes of Waste from Greek Shores
A dedicated vessel and crew document marine pollution while clearing remote Mediterranean coastlines.
1Dedicated Marine Cleanup Vessel
The Typhoon, a 72-metre-long vessel, serves as the primary tool for cleaning Greece's extensive coastline. Operated by a 20-member crew, the project targets remote shores inaccessible by road. Every day, the team gathers, sorts, and documents between 500 and 1,000 kilograms of waste, focusing on areas heavily impacted by sea currents.
2Seven Years of Impact
Since its inception in July 2019, the Typhoon Project has completed over 10,000 cleanup operations. The initiative has successfully retrieved 1,140 tonnes of trash from isolated beaches and islands. This massive volume of waste is equivalent to filling 22 Olympic-sized swimming pools or approximately 1,160 large shipping containers over seven years.
3Data-Driven Pollution Analysis
Beyond physical collection, the project prioritizes the creation of a comprehensive database on Mediterranean marine pollution. Manager Thanasis Besios notes that the team records precise quantities and item types from every beach visited. This systematic approach allows researchers to analyze pollution patterns and develop a deeper understanding of waste distribution across Greece.
4Origin of Marine Waste
Evidence suggests that much of the collected waste is not discarded by beachgoers but transported by sea currents. For example, the team discovered a 1990s Spanish World Cup beer can on the islet of Patroklos. This highlights how marine debris travels long distances, eventually accumulating on shores far from its original source.
5Expanding to Inland Cleanup
Recognizing that significant pollution originates inland, the Athanassios C. Laskaridis Public Benefit Foundation launched the Cyclone program in 2024. This initiative focuses on large-scale cleanups in lakes, rivers, and archaeological sites. Three specialized teams now operate daily across various Greek regions, collecting over 1,000 kilograms of waste to prevent further environmental degradation.
6Scientific and Academic Partnerships
The project collaborates with the University of Patras to study benthic waste in the Saronic and Thermaic Gulfs. Additionally, they partner with the University of the Aegean to map plastics using advanced remote sensing technology. These academic alliances provide the scientific rigor necessary to understand the complex dynamics of marine pollution.
7Educational Outreach Initiatives
The Typhoon Project integrates educational programs into its operations by visiting local schools on the islands. Team members engage students in classrooms and lead beach activities to raise awareness about plastic pollution. The ultimate goal is to foster responsible citizenship and reduce the reliance on single-use plastics among the younger generation.
8Foundation Mission and Scope
The Athanassios C. Laskaridis Public Benefit Foundation has been active for nine years, focusing on environmental protection, micro-entrepreneurship, and charitable donations. By addressing both coastal and inland pollution, the foundation seeks to mitigate the impact of illegal landfills and debris, aiming for long-term ecological health across the diverse Greek landscape.
Original article: Euronews – Latest — Typhoon Project Cleans 1,140 Tonnes of Waste from Greek Shores