Plastic pollution significantly impacts marine biodiversity in Italy, with marine plastic litter causing entanglement and ingestion in various species, including endangered and vulnerable marine animals. The study analyzed data from digital and social media platforms to identify affected species and hotspots of plastic-wildlife interactions. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was most frequently entangled in plastic litter, while cetaceans, seabirds, and elasmobranchs were also affected. Fishing gear, particularly abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), is a major contributor to these incidents. The study highlights the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and policymakers to manage marine plastic litter effectively. Data from the study show a rising trend in entanglement and ingestion cases over the past 15 years, with GSA 10 (Central and Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) being the most affected area. The findings emphasize the importance of reducing plastic waste production and implementing programs for the collection and disposal of such waste, especially ghost nets. The study also underscores the role of citizen science and social media in gathering data on marine litter and its effects on marine biota. The results provide a foundation for developing conservation measures in Mediterranean subareas.Plastic pollution significantly impacts marine biodiversity in Italy, with marine plastic litter causing entanglement and ingestion in various species, including endangered and vulnerable marine animals. The study analyzed data from digital and social media platforms to identify affected species and hotspots of plastic-wildlife interactions. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was most frequently entangled in plastic litter, while cetaceans, seabirds, and elasmobranchs were also affected. Fishing gear, particularly abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), is a major contributor to these incidents. The study highlights the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and policymakers to manage marine plastic litter effectively. Data from the study show a rising trend in entanglement and ingestion cases over the past 15 years, with GSA 10 (Central and Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) being the most affected area. The findings emphasize the importance of reducing plastic waste production and implementing programs for the collection and disposal of such waste, especially ghost nets. The study also underscores the role of citizen science and social media in gathering data on marine litter and its effects on marine biota. The results provide a foundation for developing conservation measures in Mediterranean subareas.