Amount Of Marine Debris Research Articles

Distribution and Solutions for Marine Debris: A Case Study on the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch

In recent years, with the development of society, the amount of marine debris is rising rapidly, and human beings have caused great damage to the marine environment. This study introduces sources and impacts of marine debris, analyses distribution and effects with an example of the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch by studying the direction of ocean current and using QGIS technology, and provides some control measures. Results show that plastic is the predominant constituent of marine debris. Sources of marine debris include land-based and ocean-based. Marine debris has great impacts on creatures and people living in the sea and remote areas. Ocean currents are the main reason for the formation of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is the movement of seawater driven by force acting on it. The temperature and salinity of seawater, and the trade and prevailing wind are long-term factors affecting the distribution of ocean currents, and the tropical cyclones are short-term factors. It suggests that the government should salvage and recycle marine debris, establish legislative regulations, incinerate it for power generation, and construct artificial islands. For personal, they should use reusable products, recycle reasonably, reduce energy use and avoid products that contain microbeads and microfibers.

Potensi Sumber dan Sebaran Sampah Laut di Ekosistem Terumbu Karang Perairan Pulau Kelapa, Pulau Kelapa Dua, dan Pulau Harapan, DKI Jakarta

Pollution is a threat to coral reefs in Indonesian waters. The number of coral reefs that are in very good condition denies very little compared to the total area of ??coral reefs in Indonesia. One form of pollution that can threaten coral reefs is marine debris. This study aims to identify potential sources of marine debris that can disrupt the health of coral reefs. the research was carried out in the waters of Kelapa Island, Kelapa Dua Island and Harapan Island, DKI Jakarta. The data used includes current data obtained using secondary data, data on the amount of marine debris,and the water base data substrate obtained using the LIT method. The results showed that the waste was thought to come from community activities, tourism and fisheries. The location that can be a source of marine debris in the research location comes from the mainland of Jakarta Bay. The bottom substrate conditions are in the "bad" to "medium" category. The range of the lowest proportion of live coral cover is 10,8% and the highest live coral cover at 31.1%. The coral reefs in the research location are in a state of worry and their existence is threatened by pollution of marine debris.

Characteristics and patterns of marine debris in the Chinese beach-sea continuum

The amounts of marine debris and plastic pollution have been growing dramatically in the environment. Floating marine debris can be transported between the sea and coastal zone by various processes. However, it remains unknown if marine debris in the sea and coastal zone are quantitatively related. This study collected time-series data on marine debris (including plastics) from China’s beaches and adjoining seas over a 10-year period (2012–2021). It aims to investigate (1) the characteristics of debris distribution in the beach-sea continuum, (2) the relationships among the density and accumulation density of marine debris on beaches, sea surfaces and seafloors. Our results show that the density of marine debris and plastics on beaches and seafloors in the pandemic period were 3–5 folds of those in the pre-pandemic period. The density (104682.4 ± 27793.0 items km–2) and accumulation density (1787.4 ± 220.0 kg km–2) of marine debris on beaches were significantly higher than those on both sea surfaces (3320.8 ± 446.0 items km–2 and 21.6 ± 5.7 kg km–2) and seafloors (2453.7 ± 868.4 items km–2 and 117.5 ± 70.4 kg km–2). The density of plastics on beaches (85373.0 ± 21633.8 items km–2) was significantly higher than that on sea surfaces (2915.4 ± 365.8 items km–2) and seafloors (2254.2 ± 717.1 items km–2). The density of small-to-medium (0–10cm) floating debris (3419.5 ± 418.2 items km–2) was more than 100 times higher than the density of large (> 10cm) floating debris (29.6 ± 3.1 items km–2). The proportion of plastics in marine debris on sea surfaces (83.3 ± 1.3%) was significantly higher than that on beaches (74.1 ± 2.5%) but not significantly different from that on seafloors (81.1 ± 3.0%). There are significant relationships between the density of debris on seafloors and that on beaches, between the density or accumulation density of debris on seafloors and that on sea surfaces. This study suggests that the density and accumulation density of marine debris on seafloors were closely associated with those on sea surfaces and beaches. The results can help to estimate the transportation, deposition and aggregation of marine debris from beaches and sea surfaces to seafloors.

Increased Incidence of Entanglements and Ingested Marine Debris in Dutch Seals from 2010 to 2020

In recent decades, the amount of marine debris has increased in our oceans. As wildlife interactions with debris increase, so does the number of entangled animals, impairing normal behavior and potentially affecting the survival of these individuals. The current study summarizes data on two phocid species, harbor (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), affected by marine debris in Dutch waters from 2010 to 2020. The findings indicate that the annual entanglement rate (13.2 entanglements/year) has quadrupled compared with previous studies. Young seals, particularly gray seals, are the most affected individuals, with most animals found or sighted with fishing nets wrapped around their necks. Interestingly, harbor seals showed a higher incidence of ingested debris. Species differences with regard to behavior, foraging strategies, and habitat preferences may explain these findings. The lack of consistency across reports suggests that it is important to standardize data collection from now on. Despite increased public awareness about the adverse environmental effects of marine debris, more initiatives and policies are needed to ensure the protection of the marine environment in the Netherlands.

The current state of marine debris on the seafloor in offshore area around Japan

Marine debris on the seafloor has not been thoroughly investigated, and there is little information compared to other types of marine debris. We conducted bottom trawl surveys to determine the present situation of marine debris on the seafloor in offshore areas around Japan. The survey was conducted in three sea areas with different characteristics. As a result, it was found that the amount of marine debris in submarine canyons (2926.1 items/km2) was higher than on the continental shelf. It was revealed that most marine debris on the seafloor is comprised of plastic products, and that debris on the seafloor retains its condition for a long time (over 30 years) without deterioration. In addition, the type of marine debris is affected by the industries operating in each area. Continuing to investigate marine debris on the seafloor in more areas will contribute to solving the problem of marine debris.

Using photographs to record plastic in seabird nests

The incidence of plastic in seabird nests can be used to track changes in the amounts of marine debris, but large sample sizes are needed for accurate estimates. Surveys of active nests cause disturbance to breeding birds, so we need an efficient way to sample nest plastics. Photographs of brown noddy Anous stolidus nests at Ducie Atoll, southeast Pacific Ocean, allowed rapid characterisation of plastic use with limited disturbance, and showed selection for blue-green items. Plastic was more prevalent in noddy nests at Ducie Atoll (97%) than at Inaccessible Island, South Atlantic Ocean (41%), despite lower debris densities at Ducie. Differences in nesting habitat and the resultant availability of natural nesting material drive this difference in plastic loads. Using photographs to record plastic in seabird nests reduces disturbance to breeding birds and might decrease the risk of missing cryptic debris items. Photographs also provide a permanent record of pollution levels.

BEACH DEBRIS ON LABUANGE BEACH, BARRU DISTRICT, SOUTH SULAWESI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

To support the efforts of the Indonesian government in managing marine debris that has a broad potential negative impact in various aspects, beach debris monitoring activities are urgently required in various locations. This research was carried out from June to August 2018 in the west coast region, on Labuange beach, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, which was exposed by the Indonesian Through-Flow. The study aimed to determine the amount, weight and composition of marine debris on Labuange beach. Marine debris was sampled from a permanent line transect with an area of 150 m2 (three replications). Samples were then cleaned, sorted, counted, and weighed. The average amount of marine debris was 5.98 + 2.13 items/m2 per month, with a total weight was 138.69 ± 91.32 g/m2 per month. Plastic and rubber category dominated every sampling period in the location. The abundance of marine debris, both regarding quantity and weight, fluctuated in high amount during the sampling period, which indicated the magnitude of the role of oceanographic factors, including the direction of waves, and lack of community awareness on marine debris impacts and management. The great amount and weight of marine debris and the type of waste, which was dominated by plastic and rubber is a potential threat to humans, marine biota, and the local or global environment.

Types and abundance of macro- and micro-marine debris at Sebatik Island, Tawau, Sabah

The amount of marine debris is increasing worldwide and has become a matter of serious concern. It is important to identify the nature of debris to understand the sources and to devise practically feasible methods for managing this problem. This study was carried out at Sebatik Island on the east coast of Sabah with the aim of examining the types and abundance of macro – and micro-debris. The observations covered a period of December 2015 – May 2016. Debris collected from different stations was compared. Transect line method was used to assess the stranded macro-marine debris (SMD). Evaluation of floating macro- debris (FMD) was done by surveys of the selected areas. Density separation technique was applied in order to extract the micro marine debris (MMD). Results showed 14 types of SMD and 9 types of FMD in the study areas. Three major types of SMD and FMD were discarded plastic, organic debris and plastic bottles. Four types of MMD recorded at the beach and mudflat areas were fragments, fiber, films and polystyrene. Based on the comparison between stations (S), S2 showed the highest abundance of SMD with 80 items m-2. Meanwhile, FMD at one location was as high as 94 items m-2. Station S3 has the highest of MMD with 22 items ml-1. Plastic formed (40%) of the SMD category whereas FMD constituted 42 % at the Sebatik Island. Small fragments and film were the most abundant of MMD (32 %). This study highlights the scale of the marine debris problem in Sebatik Island and calls for a comprehensive plan of action to protect the Island’s marine ecosystem services.

The influence of the intensity of use, rainfall and location in the amount of marine debris in four beaches in Niteroi, Brazil: Sossego, Camboinhas, Charitas and Flechas

The presence of marine debris in coastal and oceanic regions is a worldwide and growing problem and own to different factors. In order to check the influence of some of these factors in the amount of debris in these areas, we quantified and identified marine debris found on sand of four beaches in the city of Niterói, RJ during dry and rainy seasons; two in oceanic region and two in Guanabara Bay, and observed the intensity of use of them by people. Our results showed that intensity of use and intensity of rain had influence in the presence and amount of solid waste collected. Environmental education campaigns and improvements in basic sanitation are extremely necessary to prevent the pollution of aquatic environments and get improvements on waste management in the cities of Niterói, RJ.

Trends and drivers of debris accumulation on Maui shorelines: Implications for local mitigation strategies

Marine debris, particularly plastic, is an identified concern for coastal areas and is known to accumulate in large quantities in the North Pacific. Here we present results from the first study to quantify and compare the types and amounts of marine debris on Maui shorelines. Surveys were conducted monthly between May 2013 and December 2014, with additional daily surveys conducted on Maui's north shore during January 2015. Debris accumulation rates, loads, and sources varied between sites, with plastics being the most prevalent type of debris at all sites. Large debris loads on windward shores were attributed to the influence of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and northerly trade winds. Daily surveys resulted in a significantly higher rate of debris deposition than monthly surveys. The efficacy of local policy in debris mitigation showed promise, but was dependent upon the level of enforcement and consumer responsibility.

Macrodebris and microplastics from beaches in Slovenia

The amount of marine debris in the environment is increasing worldwide, which results in an array of negative effects to biota. This study provides the first account of macrodebris on the beach and microplastics in the sediment (shoreline and infralittoral) in relation to tourism activities in Slovenia. The study assessed the quality and quantity of macrodebris and the quality, size and quantity of microplastics at six beaches, contrasting those under the influences of tourism and those that were not. Beach cleanliness was estimated using the Clean Coast Index. Tourism did not seem to have an effect on macrodebris or microplastic quantity at beaches. Over 64% of macrodebris was plastic, and microplastics were ubiquitous, which calls for classification of plastics as hazardous materials. Standard measures for marine debris assessment are needed, especially in the form of an all-encompassing debris index. Recommendations for future assessments are provided for the Adriatic region.

The incentive program for fishermen to collect marine debris in Korea

A significant amount of sea-based marine debris is generated and deposited in Korean coastal waters. The Korean government has removed 66,000 tons of deposited marine debris since 1999. However, to fully address the problem, the generation of marine debris needs to be prevented. As an alternative, Korean government has initiated an incentive program for fishermen, who collect fishing gear or other marine debris while fishing. Although a considerable amount of marine debris is collected and removed from major fishing grounds, the program may not incentivize long-term sustainable behavior, resulting in further discarding of marine debris when the program is completed.

Use of indicator items to monitor Marine Debris on a New Jersey Beach from 1991 to 1996

The US National Marine Debris Monitoring Program is using indicator items from beach surveys to identify whether amounts of marine debris are changing over time. Indicator items were selected through expert opinion and assumed to reflect the trend of all debris. We used monthly data from a 1991–1996 study of debris on a New Jersey beach to determine if indicator and non-indicator items showed similar trends. Total indicator debris levels did not change; this was true regardless of probable source. Non-indicator debris increased about 40% annually. Plastic non-indicator items increased regardless of whether items were whole items, cigarette filters, or pieces. Of the whole items, almost 50% were plastic lids, cups, and utensils, and about 25% were drug-related paraphernalia, tobacco-related products, plastic stirrers, pull rings, and fireworks. When indicator items are used in a monitoring programme to reflect total debris patterns, concordance of trends in indicator and non-indicator debris should be checked.