Marine Debris: A Growing Global Issue

Marsha SisneyEnvironmental Stewardship

Miami University

The hypothesis proposed that a greater abundance of land-based marine debris would be observed along the shorelines of sandy beaches.

Is there a significant difference between the abundance of land-based as compared to sea-based sources of marine debris accumulating on beaches along fresh and saltwater shorelines?

Question & Hypothesis

Sea-based Sources & Types of Debris

Monofilament Fishing Line, Hooks, Lures & Lead Weights Ghost Fishing

Traps, Baskets, & Gill

Nets

Cargo & Research

Ships

Packaging

Containers

Derelict Gear

Ropes, Buoys, &

Anchors

Abandoned Sailing Vessels

Land-based Types & Sources of Debris

Improper Industrial Disposal, Littering & Storm Water Runoff

Smoking Materials

Cigarette Butts, Cigar

tips, Lighters

Rubber

Personal Hygiene

Items

Plastic & Paper Food Wrappers & Bags

Plastic, Glass,

Polystyrene &

Aluminum

Beverage

Containers

Survey Sampling

METHODS

Data Collection Points

Criteria• 370-M Linear

Timed Transect • 30 Second

Intervals• 80 Subtransect

Lines• 8 Sampling Days

• Sandy Substrate• Relatively Flat• No Breakwaters• Survey would not

affect aquatic environment

Field Test Equipment

Litter Monitoring Form Clipboard Pencils Debris Collection Bag

MATERIALS

• Camera

• Stop Watch

• GPS Device

SALTWATER BEACH SITE

Crescent Beach, Siesta Key Sarasota, Florida

Highly Frequented by Tourists

Water-related Recreational

Activities

FRESHWATER BEACH SITE

North Avenue BeachChicago, Illinois

Seasonal Frequency

Water-related Recreational

Activities

RESULTS

98%

2%

Abundance of Debris

Land-based Debris Sea-based Debris

RESULTS

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Number of Debris ItemsPlasticCigarette/CigarFoamed plasticGlassMetalFishing GearCloth WoodOther

Economic Issues Abandoned Vessels & Gear

Navigational HazardsGhostfishing, Derelict Gear

Loss of Species Contaminated Water

Beach Closures

Image courtesy of NOAA, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, July 10, 2013. Adapted from: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/multimedia/images/impacts

• Contaminated Beaches

• Navigational Hazards

ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Occurrence Impact• Beach Closures• Decrease in Tourism

Revenue• Loss of Vessel • Decrease in Fishing

Revenue

Environmental Threats to WildlifeHabitat DegradationEntanglement StrangulationSmotheringIngestion

Image courtesy of NOAA Fisheries, PIFSC, July 10, 2013. Adapted from: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/multimedia/images/impacts

Type of Debris Impact

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Nurdles: Microplastic Pellets

Ghost Fishing Gear Plastic Bags

≈ Food Chain≈ Marine Species and

Habitats≈ Turtles

ACTION PLANS

Develop Formalized Assessment

s

GenerateCommunity Participation

Provide Educational Trainings

Solutions Assess Prevent Remove Restore Protect

Be proactive!

How can you help?

Become a part of the solution!

Commit more global resources to the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems

Increase research and assessments on the abundance, accumulation rates and impact of marine debris on land and in water

Develop universal action plan to manage human impact Educate and create community awareness on sources of

debris Promote global responsibility Change the culture and encourage citizens to reduce,

reuse, recycle Be proactive and become a part of the solution

REFLECTION ON MARINE DEBRIS

Thank You for Listening!