Coastal cleanup

Rydd i Tide​​

Rydd i Tide was founded by the Norwegian Retailers Environmental Fund in 2021, and is the biggest waste removal project of its kind. Up until August 2026, 57% of the Norway's coastline (35.700km) has been cleaned, and more than 5000 tons of waste has been removed.

 

Gea Norvegica Geopark became part of the project in 2022, and is responsible for the coastal areas within the Geopark borders, except Kragerø. Since then, we have removed more than 60 tons of waste, and cleaned 650 kilometres of coastline and islands.

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In 2025, the Geopark cleaned the coastline in Larvik, from the Telemark border to Nevlunghavn, with all corresponding islands. 9 tons of trash was removed, and 90 kilometres of coastline was cleaned. 

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In 2026, the Geopark has cleaned the inner coast of Bamble, Porsgrunn and Skien. We have had a special focus on exposed areas in the Voldsfjord, Frierfjord, Eidangerfjord, Langangsfjord and Ormerfjord. During June and July, 127 kilometres of coastline was cleaned, and 9,4 tons of waste was removed! However, the work is not done and continues during the autumn season!

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The Plastic Problem​

Plastic pollution is a major problem in marine. The UN estimates that around 11 million tons of plastic reaches the oceans each year. Plastic is a synthetic material, so nature has no way of breaking down the plastic chemicals. Thus, plastic doesn't dissappear, but breaks down to smaller and smaller particles, remaining in the seas. These are known as microplastics and nanoplastics. 

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Plastic pollution is divided into size categories. Plastic bigger than 2.5 cm is called macroplastics, and includes ropes, bottles, fishing equipment and bags. This plastic can cause a wide array of problems. Ropes and fishing equipment can entangle the animals, leading to choking and them being stuck. Clear plastic can be mistaken for food by animals and therefore be eaten. The plastic filling the stomachs gives a sense of fullness, but they get no nutrients and starve. 

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Lost lobster traps and other fishing equipment can keep fishing for a long time after being lost, collecting large amounts of animals. This process is called ghost fishing and can be very damaging to the coastal ecosystems over time. This makes it important to report lost fishing gear. 

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Macroplastics exposed to sunlight and erosion through waves, currents and weather, breaks down into smaller particles. The microplastic can be absorbed by animals, and have a harmful effect depending on the type of plastic and chemicals. Smaller pieces of plastic, such as plastic pellets, can be confused with plankton and eaten by birds and fish. There is still a large uncertainty with the health rish of microplastics, so a lot of research is being conducted on this topic. ​​​​​​​​​​

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Follow our work with ocean waste on Instagram!​​