Abstract
The project aimed to enhance Norway’s capacity to conduct microplastic (MP) toxicity assessments by standardizing testing methods and promoting collaboration among institutes. Assessing the biological effects of microplastics on marine organisms is essential for complementing existing plastic monitoring programs. While these programs effectively gather data on the occurrence of MPs across various environmental matrices, including biota, understanding the biological impacts may provide critical context in the future for interpreting data and formulate an effective environmental risk assessment. By examining how MPs affect the health and behaviour of marine species, we can identify potential ecological risks and inform management strategies aimed at mitigating plastic pollution. This integrated approach not only enhances our understanding of MP dynamics in marine ecosystems but also supports the development of evidence-based policies to protect marine life and preserve biodiversity. In this context, there is the necessity of a risk assessment framework which can be aligned with the efforts of achieving a Good Environmental Status (GES) assessment by defining threshold levels for MP exposure and identifying vulnerable marine species. Addressing data gaps highlighted by the Vitenskapskomitéen for Mat og Miljø (VKM, 2019), the Micro-Opt project aimed to strengthen Norway's role in global MP research supporting marine conservation and sustainable resource use. Through this collaboration, the MicroOpt consortium intended to support the combat of marine litter understanding its effects of organisms and thus aiming at protecting marine biodiversity.