MAELSTROM data policy: https://zenodo.org/records/15030538

MAELSTROM data access request form: https://zenodo.org/records/15030591

The data collection at Sacca Fisola was carried out in July 2022 within the framework of the MAELSTROM project. This area of the Venice lagoon is characterised by intense maritime traffic, nearby residential zones, and the presence of a municipal waste collection facility, making it a relevant hotspot for marine litter accumulation.

The initial assessment of marine litter distribution was based on high-resolution bathymetric surveys obtained using MBES technology. Bathymetric morphology was visually analysed to detect potential litter targets and to define areas of interest for further inspection.

To validate and enhance these acoustic observations, underwater video transects were conducted by professional divers from the Coast Guard’s 1st Underwater Operators Unit. The 100-metre transect path was defined using known start and end coordinates, and video footage was acquired following standardised procedures to ensure spatial consistency and adequate seabed coverage. The raw video data were later reviewed and annotated using predefined classification criteria.