Risk assessment of marine litter pollution from maritime industries on seabird habitat

Abstract

Cases of bird damage caused by marine litter have been reported worldwide. This study represents the investigation in South Korea (“Korea”) focused on the identification and management strategies of marine litter sources targeting seabirds within the context of habitat risk assessment. The purpose of this study is to identify key marine litter stressors affecting seabird habitat and identify ascertain to manage these stressors. Ports, fishing spots, and aquaculture farms where abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) occurs are considered marine litter stressors. Consequently, the principal estuaries in Korea, encompassing the Han River, Nakdong River, and Geum River estuaries, were designated as high-risk zones. Within the maritime industries, it was discerned that marine litter arising from fishing spots exerted the most substantial influence on seabirds. Among the focused seabird species, the Black-faced Spoonbill, Black-tailed Gull, and Great-crested Grebe demonstrated an elevated susceptibility to marine litter exposure. This underscores the potential variability in prioritization and strategies for risk management based on the characteristics of each maritime industry and seabird species. Additionally, it can provide fundamental data for national marine litter monitoring and removal initiatives, and contribute to the efficient budget allocation of government collection projects.