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Significant plastic accumulation on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia
J L Lavers1, L Dicks2, M R Dicks2
1Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, TAS, 7004, Australia. Jennifer.Lavers@utas.edu.au.
Scientific Reports
|May 18, 2019
Summary
Over 414 million plastic debris items litter remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with most buried and comprising microplastics. Beach cleanups are vital to prevent further ocean plastic accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Oceanography
Background:
- Oceans serve as a major sink for escalating plastic waste.
- Plastic pollution affects marine ecosystems from trenches to coastlines.
- Remote islands are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic debris.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify plastic debris on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
- To analyze the composition and distribution of marine plastic pollution.
- To highlight challenges posed by buried microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive surveys of beach surface, buried, and vegetation-entangled debris.
- Estimation of total anthropogenic debris items and mass.
- Classification of identifiable plastic items and microplastic analysis.
Main Results:
- An estimated 414 million debris items (238 tonnes) are present on the islands.
- Disposable plastics (straws, bags, toothbrushes) constitute ~25% of identifiable items.
- Buried debris accounts for 93% of items, with 60% being microplastics (2-5 mm).
Conclusions:
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands are heavily impacted by plastic pollution.
- Buried microplastics present significant challenges for wildlife and cleanup efforts.
- Preventing new plastic from entering oceans through cleanup is crucial.
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