Rapid assessment of marine debris in coastal areas using a visual scoring indicator

Information regarding the spatial distribution and standing stock of marine debris in coastal areas is a prerequisite for efficient cleanup and management. We conducted a rapid assessment of marine debris on the coasts of South Korea using a visual scoring indicator. The indicator consisted of a table and photographs representing nine pollution levels that were quantitatively tested. Locations at every 10 km were selected along the natural coastline for a total of 382 locations, and a length of 100 m at each location was assessed. Approximately 40 participants were trained and assessed the pollution levels using a smartphone application. The surveys were conducted four times in 2017, in April, June, August, and October. The total amount of marine debris stock in the natural coastal areas was estimated to be approximately 17 thousand tons. It suggests that approximately 60% of the marine debris can be cleaned from 10% of the coastline.