The Rotary Club of Lagoa has introduced a marine drone designed to collect floating waste, in an initiative aimed at environmental protection and reducing plastic pollution in coastal waters.
The device, known as the ASV Jellyfish, was launched on 22nd April in the presence of representatives from Lagoa Municipal Council, Rotary clubs from across the Algarve, and members of Rotaract Tavira.
Developed by French company IADYS, the autonomous drone is capable of collecting plastic, microplastics, and other debris from coastal and harbour waters.
According to club president Franco Pasotto, the acquisition was made possible through contributions from local citizens, businesses and international Rotary Clubs, including those in Windsor, California, and Amsterdam. The electric-powered drone operates silently and can collect up to 80 litres of waste per mission without disturbing marine wildlife.
The initiative forms part of the international “EndPlasticSoup” movement, which brings together Rotary clubs worldwide in efforts to combat marine pollution.
The Rotary Club of Lagoa also plans to develop educational projects with regional schools, in partnership with Rotaract Tavira and environmental organisations.
