The Distribution and Abundance of Beach Debris on Isolated Beaches of Northern New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Beach debris items were collected and categorised during surveys of five isolated beaches on the northern New South Wales coastline in September 2003. The selected beaches covered more than 21 km of contiguous coastline. Litter density and distribution per 500 m segment was calculated. The highest density of litter was found on the most isolated beaches with little public access but no protection by headlands from the ocean swells. Litter density was highest at the northern extent of each beach, transported in that direction by longshore drift. The litter was predominantly composed of plastic (72–86 per cent), followed by glass (1–4 per cent) and cigarette butts (1–11 per cent). Plastic litter primarily consisted of soft drink and water bottle lids and seal caps. Glass materials were highest at beaches open to the ocean swells, where transportation of heavier materials is more likely. Cigarette butt density was highest at the beaches with high public usage. Beach debris was presumably of terrestrial origin but had been transported by the ocean onto the beaches. These results indicate that management of beach debris needs to focus on reducing the litter entering the marine environment.