Macro litter distribution of the Turkish Mediterranean coasts dominated by pleasure crafts

Abstract

Litters are the most pollutants in progress of the interests in marine environments. Macro litter samples were collected from 66 stations to estimate litter contribution from pleasure crafts along bays of the most Turkish touristic coasts (Antalya-Muğla) by the divers in June/July 2019. Average abundance and weight were 19 items/km2 and 18 kg/km2, respectively. The most abundant litter was plastics and the most contributors in weight were metals, followed by glass/ceramics. Abundance of the litters increased with number of pleasure crafts in active in summer. Pleasure crafts contributed most abundantly with the personal wares to the total litter, particularly in the coasts of Muğla. Litters were differentiated with interaction of region × bottom depths. The litter composition and abundance were different between region of Antalya in active mostly by tour boats and region of Muğla by private yachts. The litter types were however correlated with sea surface temperature.