MATT’S PATROL: A Generalized framework to track marine litter path, fare and toll

Abstract

Attention is given to the mapping of marine litter pathways due to their negative impact on the environment, society, and economy. Many models have been created to examine ocean dynamics and particle tracking systems. This study aims to contribute to these existing models by introducing a framework called “MATT’S PATROLL: MArine liTTer’S PATh, faRe, and tOLL.” This framework examines three pillars needed for the management of marine litter, the computational, socio-ecological, and economic arms. The Lagrangian particle tracking model is used to model the spatio-temporal behavior of litters on the surface of the ocean. The “faRe” component describes the direct and indirect effects of meso-particles on sea and land populations while they wait to accumulate on shorelines and other settlements. The “tOLL” component examines the long-term ecological and socio-economic costs on ecosystems in land and water, as well as the damage and loss in gross revenue from the marine sector when marine litters penetrate habitats and livelihoods. To illustrate the framework, artificially generated litter data around Visayas region is used to simulate path, fare, and toll calculations.