Beach litter deep dives – A method for improved understanding of sources of and behaviour behind littering

Abstract

Information from established beach litter protocols is insufficient to implement targeted, preventive management measures. Complementary methodologies, named “Beach litter Deep Dives”, have been developed to get a better understanding of the sources of and behaviour behind littering. The methods are adaptive and determined by the context and aim of the deep dive. A Professional Deep Dive's aim is documentation, where trained professionals register information relevant for the research or management question of concern. Deep Dives with Experts invites people from relevant backgrounds that have knowledge on the sources of and behaviour behind litter found. Deep Dive Workshops focus on dialogue with stakeholders and decision makers to identify actions. Experience from deep dives illustrates their potential to provide valuable information that is directly relevant to managers and polluters. Inclusion of stakeholders has increased their awareness, resulting in polluters taking ownership to the problem and motivated measures to reduce littering.