Network of educational and scientific collections of marine litter (Re-COLIXO): Made in Brazil

Identifying the historical importance of marine litter and developing strategies to raise public awareness are topics that remain an open and ever-growing field of research. Marine litter collections may be an innovative way to understand historical patterns of marine litter and consumption habits. Additionally, they can serve as powerful tools for increasing public awareness of marine litter and ocean-related issues. To our knowledge, the Network of Educational and Scientific Collections of Marine Litter (Re-COLIXO, Rede de Coleções Didáticas e Científicas do Lixo Marinho in Portuguese) is a novel initiative on a global scale, comprising 24 affiliated Brazilian collections in 2024. We interviewed 20 representatives from these collections, focusing on their characteristics, best practices, and challenges. Most of the collections (85%) are located in coastal zones. The best practices were divided into three groups: Proper Cataloging and Standardization, Regular Maintenance, and Community Engagement. Similarly, the challenges were divided into three groups: Physical Space, Financial Resources, and Institutional Support. Network analysis showed Re-COLIXO as a focal point, and its establishment in 2016 stimulated the creation of new collections. • Re-COLIXO is an innovative network of 24 marine litter collections in Brazil. • These collections combine scientific research and training with public engagement. • The network has encouraged the creation of new collections since 2016. • Most collections are coastal-focused, facing challenges like limited space, funding, and support.