Litter in coastal and marine environments

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Oceanography

Background:

• Marine litter represents a pervasive and escalating anthropogenic alteration of global coastal and ocean ecosystems.
• It is recognized alongside climate change as a critical environmental issue demanding immediate solutions.
• The ubiquitous presence of litter, particularly plastics, has led to its consideration as a geological indicator of the Anthropocene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a collection of current studies on litter in coastal and marine environments.
• To discuss the implementation of specific management strategies for marine litter under various scenarios.
• To address the urgent need for global governance to control litter pollution.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of 37 research papers focusing on marine litter.
• Analysis of case studies examining litter types, sources, impacts, and solutions.
• Discussion of management strategies and policy recommendations.

Main Results:

• Marine litter, predominantly plastics, is widespread across all marine environments.
• Detrimental environmental effects of litter have been extensively documented.
• A critical need for legally binding global governance to manage litter pollution was identified.

Conclusions:

• No single solution can address the complex issue of marine litter.
• Effective control of litter pollution necessitates robust, legally binding international agreements.
• The collection of papers highlights the multifaceted nature of marine litter and the need for integrated management approaches.