SeA Care Project

Why in News?

A recent study under the SeA Care Project has revealed the widespread presence of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) across multiple ocean basins, including remote marine regions. The findings were presented on 8 June at a forum on ocean and human health in Rome hosted by the Italian National Health Institute.

Key Findings of the Study

The study detected antibiotic-resistance genes in several ocean regions, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. Higher concentrations were observed near major shipping routes and densely populated coastal areas, indicating a strong link between human activity and marine contamination.

The research suggests that oceans function as a global reservoir of land-based pollution, transporting genetic traces of antibiotic use and urban wastewater far beyond their original sources.

Other Pollutants Detected

Apart from antibiotic-resistance genes, the study also identified:

• Microplastics in marine waters.
• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
• Genetic traces of COVID-19 virus material in open ocean waters and remote regions.

About the SeA Care ProjectSeA Care is an Italian-led initiative that integrates environmental and human health monitoring through a multidisciplinary approach. The project seeks to establish a global ocean monitoring system capable of tracking biological, chemical, and environmental contaminants in marine ecosystems.