Extended study on floating litter in Malta's coastal waters (Central Mediterranean)

This study aims to determine the level of floating marine litter in coastal and inshore areas around Malta and Gozo (Central Mediterranean) and to investigate factors which influence litter distribution. Observations of macro-litter and mega-litter were conducted through seasonal boat surveys around Malta and Gozo during 2018-2019. Visual observations were conducted along line transects whilst maintaining a 6 m observation width. For coastal areas, of up to -1 km away from the shoreline, the total density of litter ranged between 27 and 2428 items/km², with a mean of 292 ± 85 items/km². Within inshore areas the density varied between 180 and 46,289 items/km², with a mean of 3242 ± 1880 items/km². The highest density was present in winter, this being 2.5 higher than the lowest density season. 91% of the litter was plastic. The manner in which anthropogenic factors and natural events influenced litter accumulations and distributions, are described.