Abstract
Sustained observations are required to determine the marine plastic debris mass balance and to support effective policy for planning remedial action. However, observations currently remain scarce at the global scale. A satellite remote sensing system could make a substantial contribution to tackling this problem. Here, we make initial steps towards the potential design of such a remote sensing system by: (1) identifying the properties of marine plastic debris amenable to remote sensing methods and (2) highlighting the oceanic processes relevant to scientific questions about marine plastic debris. Remote sensing approaches are reviewed and matched to the optical properties of marine plastic debris and the relevant spatio-temporal scales of observation to identify challenges and opportunities in the field. Finally, steps needed to develop marine plastic debris detection by remote sensing platforms are proposed in terms of fundamental science as well as linkages to ongoing planning for satellite systems with similar observation requirements.
Highlights
The ocean receives solid waste from human activities, distributing the load widely, but not evenly
Steps needed to develop marine plastic debris detection by remote sensing platforms are proposed in terms of fundamental science as well as linkages to ongoing planning for satellite systems with similar observation requirements
The aim of this paper is to provide the first iteration to define a satellite remote sensing element for monitoring marine plastic debris, following standard methodology [21,22]
Summary
The ocean receives solid waste from human activities, distributing the load widely, but not evenly. We review to what extent current and planned remote sensing technology matches the spatial and temporal scales required for marine plastic debris observations, highlighting their capabilities and limitations and the physico-chemical properties that are targeted. To make the problem manageable, the approach was to select only processes that could increase the potential for detection using satellite remote sensing This meant to identify processes leading to accumulation of marine plastic debris close to the surface of the water or coastline, where they are relevant for socio-economic reasons [8,17]. The sampling scales proposed here are adapted to resolve variability closer to the river tidal area [24], higher spatial resolution (∼1–2 m) has been proposed to monitor water quality further into the river [31] Another source of plastic debris to the marine environment is the accidental spillage due to maritime transport activities. Lower observation frequency (up to 30 day revisit) should be sufficient to monitor shoreline accumulation processes beyond the supratidal zone
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