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Plastic is one of the most commonly found residues in the marine environment, which can cause several impacts. This study evaluated the interaction of marine litter with surf-zone trammel nets in Southern Brazil. Fifty fishing operations were sampled, where 4213 items were captured: 1500 discarded fish, 1384 fragments of marine litter, and 1329 utilized fishes. Plastics were the most abundant items (n = 1363), representing 98.4% of the registered marine litter, especially plastic bags (n = 1191). 94.5% of registered marine litter is considered as single-use waste. The interaction with marine litter can cause negative impacts to small-scale fisheries (e.g. economic and damage to fishing nets). We highlight the urgency in implementing actions for urban solid waste management and public policies to reduce single-use plastics and educational campaigns on the environmental theme.

Stranded marine debris (MD) has become a hot topic on Bali Island because it threatens coastal tourism sustainability. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal abundance and characteristics of MD on 14 touristic beaches in Bali Island. Sampling is carried out twice every season by adapting methods from NOAA's MD program. We found that the average MD abundance and weight were 0.356 ± 0.366 items/m2 and 4.057 ± 3.892 g/m2, respectively. Plastic dominated the MD based on abundance (86.9%) and weight (40.1%). Plastic bags, straws, and plastic cups are the most common items among plastics. The MD is originated from Indonesia and is dominated by land-based sources. The beaches are categorized as dirty in the rainy seasons and clean in the dry seasons. Statistically, the MD based on abundance, weight, category, source, and level of cleanliness varied significantly between seasons.

Single-use plastics, or SUPs (plastic bags, microbeads, cutlery, straws and polystyrene) are substantial sources of plastic marine pollution, yet preventable via legislative and non-legislative interventions. Various international legislative strategies have been reported to address plastic marine pollution from plastic bags and microbeads, but these have since been accompanied by recent increasing public awareness triggered by international agencies and organizations. The Sixth International Marine Debris Conference highlighted increasing intervention strategies to mitigate SUP pollution. This study presents new multi-jurisdictional legislative interventions to reduce SUPs since 2017 and incorporates emergence of new non-legislative interventions to mitigate other types of SUPs at individual and private-sector levels that complement or influence legislative interventions. Further, effectiveness of SUP bag interventions (e.g., bans vs. levies) to help reduce SUP marine pollution are presented and range between 33 and 96% reduction in bag use.

Environmental pollution from plastic bags is a significant issue in the global environment. Plastic bags can be transferred by the wind and ocean currents everywhere in the three dimensions and be fragmented into small particles, termed film-shaped microplastics. The purpose of this study is to provide insights on the degradation of beached plastic bags. Monitoring and sampling were performed to determine plastic bag fragmentation and the possible mechanisms. On selected samples, various spectroscopic techniques and microscopy were used. Before the imposition of the "green" plastic bag fee in Greece, field monitoring suggested that the majority of the coastal plastic bags were fragmented whereas after the "green" fee, less fragmented bags were observed. Evidence of three degradation mechanisms were observed in this study. For oxodegradable plastic bags, degradation takes place for the starch additives and the polymer part stays in the environment as microplastic particles. For thin light density polyethylene plastic bags, mechanical fragmentation takes place in the environment creating microplastics before significant chemical alterations in functional groups were observed and once chemical alteration (oxidation) is observed, fragmentation (of HC or CC bonds) is also taking place. Thus, regulating thin plastic bags usage removes problems related to plastic bags but also to film-shaped microplastics.

On December 23rd, 2020 in the Marajo Bay, Amazon estuary, we found a specimen of Plagioscion squamosissimus floating dead and choked and suffocated by a plastic bag. Here, we presented images of record and discuss the rarity and factors that may be involved in this to date unreported plastic-animal interaction for bony fishes.

Plastic pollution in the ocean is an increasingly detrimental issue for marine organisms. As a form of polarized light pollution, transparent plastic debris may be more visible and pose additional threats to organisms that can detect and interpret polarized light. Plastic can mimic the visual features of common marine prey items, such as transparent gelatinous zooplankton, which may lead to more significant plastic ingestion. We measured, in situ, the polarization and radiance contrast between a transparent plastic bag and gelatinous zooplankton with an underwater video polarimeter. The plastic bag had significantly higher polarization contrast than the gelatinous zooplankton, yet both shared similar radiance contrasts. This higher polarization contrast may contribute to the observed high ingestion rates of transparent plastic by marine organisms. Further study into the connection between polarization-sensitive organisms and plastic ingestion is recommended.

The eastern Mediterranean is a region that has been relatively understudied with regards to anthropogenic marine litter despite potential for environmental and social costs. Here, coastal marine litter accumulation was assessed at eight beach locations along the coast of Northern Cyprus. Monthly surveys were performed between January 2017 and January 2019. All items ≥ 2.5 cm in diameter within the same 250 m2 plot were collected and processed. A total of 59,556 separate items were collected with a total mass of 697 kg. At the worst affected site (Ronnas Bay) litter accumulation averaged 1114 items and 11.9 kg per month. Plastic and polystyrene litter accounted for 82% (622.71 kg) of all litter types by mass and 96% (57,231) by frequency. Plastic bags, plastic pieces, drinks containers, caps/lids were the four most abundant forms of plastic by mass and by frequency. This suggests dumping/poor domestic waste governance as the main driver of marine litter in the region.

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a public information campaign, which was conducted on a major Greek Island (Syros), aimed at reducing plastic waste - and specifically plastic bags - in the local coastal/marine environment. A choice experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects on individual preferences for reducing plastic waste pollution under different status of environmental awareness, after the information campaign. The evaluation process was quite independent of the information campaign. Two samples of respondents were taken; one consisting of participants in the environmental campaign and the other consisting of non-participants. The results show: (a) significant differences between the preferences of the two samples; (b) variations in the willingness to pay values between the two samples for protection of the coastal/marine environment, but; (c) not significant differences in their commitment to take action (i.e. in their willingness to alter their current plastic bag use behavior).

Five of the seven extant sea turtle species in the world forage on the coast of Southern Brazil at least in some stage of their life cycle. The green turtle Chelonia mydas frequently strands on beaches of Rio Grande do Sul State. The species is currently classified as vulnerable to extinction in the region, and pollution by marine debris is one of the most conspicuous threats to its conservation. In this study, we quantified and characterized plastic ingestion by juvenile green turtles in waters off the southern Brazilian coast between 2013 and 2016. We analysed the gastrointestinal content of 17 beached carcasses and registered debris ingestion in 15 individuals (88%). On average, each green turtle ingested 38.4 ± 88.5 plastic fragments. White and transparent plastic bags and plastic sheets were predominant. Our results indicate a high interaction between juvenile green turtles and marine debris off the coast of Southern Brazil.

Marine debris (litter) is a complex problem that affects human activities and the marine environment worldwide. The Clean Coast Program in Israel has had some success in keeping most of the coasts clean most of the time, but without understanding the mechanisms of accumulation of marine debris on the coasts of Israel. In 2012, we initiated a study to characterize the types of marine debris, its origins and spatial distribution. Nineteen surveys were done from June 2012 to March 2015 on eight beaches that spanned the coast of Israel. Average debris density was 12.1 items per 100 m2 and 90% of the items were plastic. The top debris categories were food wrappers and disposables, plastic bags and cigarette butts. However, there was variation in the top debris categories among the beaches indicating that a flexible approach with multiple options will be important when addressing the marine debris problem.

This study represents an inter-institutional effort that was supported by more than 400 volunteers. We sampled Anthropogenic Marine Debris (AMD) on 26 beaches, including one beach from Galapagos Islands. AMD was mainly composed of plastics (>60%), followed by cigarette butts, paper and metal. Average AMD density on the continental beaches was 1.31 ± 1.03 items m−2 (mean ± SD). AMD densities and the proportion of plastics were higher on some beaches located on the Gulf of Guayaquil, suggesting that many of the plastic items found on these beaches were, likely, drifted by the swift currents of the Guayas River. Additionally, the overall results indicate that most litter on continental beaches from Ecuador has local sources. Recommendations include marine pollution education and public awareness campaigns to reduce the consumption of plastic bags, as well as a ban on harmful single-use plastics.

The present study documented for the first time data on plastic ingestion by Prionace glauca in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Peruvian Sea. In total, 136 individuals were studied between 2015 and 2016. Their size ranged from 61.5 to 255.0 cm TL. Pieces of plastic bags were found in the stomach contents, corresponding to the 2.2% of the individuals. The mean number of ingested plastics was 0.02. The polymer type identified by FT-IR for the pieces of plastics bags was polyethylene.

The abundance and composition of anthropogenic marine debris from 2012 to 2014 was assessed according to three bottom trawl surveys conducted on the upper continental slope between 198 m and 501 m off the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. The surveys quantitated marine debris as follows: 33.52–164.62 items km−2 (January to July 2012), 91.68–215.11 items km−2 (November 2012 to May 2013), and 160.13–178.19 items km−2 (November 2013 to May 2014). Plastic bags or household materials mainly dominated terrestrial sources of debris. Principal component analysis latitudinally divided the study area according to debris abundance caused by geographical and hydrodynamic features. The long-term effect of tsunami-associated debris on the seafloor environment was recognized, because terrestrial sources such as heavy household materials were most abundant throughout the study period, with the additional accumulation of fishing gear and plastic bags.

Caribbean economies depend heavily on a healthy marine ecosystem, but the region includes ten of the top global marine polluters per capita. Regional marine pollution is driven by illegal plastic waste dumping due to poor waste management systems with limited recycling, and weak enforcement. Governments recognize the impacts of marine debris on their social and economic well-being and have responded with policies to curb plastic pollution. Most focus on bans of single-use plastic and polystyrene, which comprises ~80% of Caribbean marine litter. However, there is little comparative analysis of policy responses to determine their efficacy. This paper reviews current policies in 13 English-speaking Caribbean countries, exploring tools used and process of implementation. Eleven have introduced legislative policies, with seven including fines and penalties for non-compliance. All successful policies involve multiple tools, including primary stakeholder engagement, sufficient lead time between policy announcement and implementation, and extensive public education campaigns.

We analyzed plastic ingestion by Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) from 806 pellets collected between 2011 and 2013. Employing a Raman spectroscopy, we characterized those polymers used to produce the plastics ingested. Debris was recorded in 143 pellets (%FO = 17.7%, n = 202, 92.58 g). Plastic was found in 119 pellets (%FO = 83%) and non-plastic occurred in 56 pellets (%FO = 39%). The most important debris category was plastic film with 55.3% (n = 79). Plastic bags were observed in 19 pellets (%FO = 2.4%, weight = 25.02 g). Glass was the second most important component (%FO = 18.9%) followed by plastic fragments (%FO = 17.8%). Plastic debris represented the 65.3% of the debris fragments (n = 132, weight = 58.84 g), and was composed by polyethylene (52%), polypropylene (26%), polyamide (12%), polystyrene (6%), polyvinyl chloride (2%), and polyethylene terephthalate (2%). How plastics were obtained by gulls and the effects on individuals are discussed, as well as environmental considerations about plastic pollution on coastal environments.

To date, the longevity of plastic litter at the sea floor is poorly constrained. The present study compares colonization and biodegradation of plastic bags by aerobic and anaerobic benthic microbes in temperate fine-grained organic-rich marine sediments. Samples of polyethylene and biodegradable plastic carrier bags were incubated in natural oxic and anoxic sediments from Eckernförde Bay (Western Baltic Sea) for 98 days. Analyses included (1) microbial colonization rates on the bags, (2) examination of the surface structure, wettability, and chemistry, and (3) mass loss of the samples during incubation. On average, biodegradable plastic bags were colonized five times higher by aerobic and eight times higher by anaerobic microbes than polyethylene bags. Both types of bags showed no sign of biodegradation during this study. Therefore, marine sediment in temperate coastal zones may represent a long-term sink for plastic litter and also supposedly compostable material.

Plastic debris affects the survival of numerous marine species such as seabirds. Several studies have report ingestion and entanglement of seabird species in plastic debris but just few describe plastic presence in nests. Here we report the first evidence of a novel artificial nesting colony of red-legged cormorant (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) using plastic as nesting material in two major seaport structures in Northern Chile. We sampled 18 abandoned nests and determined that overall nests contained plastic: industrial polypropylene bulk bags (35%), plastic bags (33%) and fishing gear (10%). Plastic types differ among seaports, ENAEX (National Company of Explosives) seaport located near the main city contained plastic bags as predominant material while GNL (Liquid Natural Gas Company) seaport located near the industrial area contained bulkbag fibers. Further research should analyze debris in beaches nearby the nesting colony in order to assess whether red-legged cormorants have any plastic preference or if they use the most available in the nature.

We determined the spatial and seasonal distribution of Floating Marine Debris (FMD) by visual ship surveys across the northern Baltic Sea between Finland and Sweden. FMD density was comparatively low, and we found the highest debris density close to major port cities. The seasonal variation in debris density was not pronounced although we observed more FMD items during the summer surveys. Plastic bags were the most common identifiable litter items, and we also found other consumer items (plastic bottles and cups). Styrofoam items suggest fishing or aquaculture activities as potential sea-based sources of FMD. These are the first data on FMD density in the Baltic Sea, and they are substantially lower than those reported for other coastal waters, which may be due to (i) lower human population densities, and (ii) higher environmental awareness in the Scandinavian countries.

Plastic debris in the oceans is a major and growing problem in global environmental pollution. There are increasing concerns that plastic debris is a source of contaminant, either added during manufacturing or adsorbed from the environment. However, there is little information about the acute toxicity of leachates from plastic debris on marine organisms. In this study, we conducted experiments to evaluate the toxicity of leachates from two single-use polyethylene plastic bags (PB1 and PB2) with the embryo and larvae of the commercial clam Meretrix meretrix. Results showed that fertilization of the embryos was not affected by plastic leachates, but the developments of D-veliger larvae, including survival, deformity, and shell height, were significantly affected by plastic leachates from both PB1 and PB2 compared to the controls of filtered seawater. We speculate that compounds leaching from plastic bags are responsible for the observed toxicity. Therefore, leaching toxicity from plastic debris should be considered when assessing the risks of plastic pollution in the oceans.

The damaging effects of marine debris on wildlife are often noted through the observation of animals that ingest and/or become entangled in debris. Yet, few studies have evaluated the effects of marine litter on benthic habitats. The aim of this study was to investigate if the presence of plastic bags has any effect on benthic macrofauna in an estuary located in an urban area in North-eastern Brazil. Biogeochemical and macrofauna samples were obtained from 10 different deposition locations (location factor), under, border and distant (treatment factor) from plastic bags. The results did not show any significant alterations in the biogeochemical parameters of the sediment due to treatment effect except for summed microphytobenthic pigments. The macrobenthic community structure responded to treatment. The greatest dissimilarity (34%) was between samples that were under and distant. Effects occurred despite the high dynamics of deposition-resuspension of plastic bags and the dominance of opportunistic species. Changes in community structure are a complex result of plastic bags effects on species ecological interactions in the polluted estuarine environment, attracting deposit feeders, diminishing suspension feeders and providing mechanical protection against predation by seabirds.

This paper reexamines policies and outcomes concerning the NY Bight Restoration Plan, and the NY–NJ Harbor Estuary Program (NYNJHEP) precipitated by washups of marine debris and medical wastes in the New York Bight some 25-years ago. Findings indicate progress has been made but further work is necessary. Extensive beach closures have not occurred since 1987–88, although localized closings occur annually from pathogens. Objectives of “0” beach closures may not be feasible for some beaches, not to exceed 5% closures may be more achievable. Pathogen and DO data show further reductions of the last 10–20% will be more challenging and costly, suggesting “hot spots” be a focus for further remediation. Marine debris show increasing trends on beaches; presence of balloons, plastic bags, syringes and personal hygiene items found annually is another concern. Future challenges are on two fronts, upstream (harbor estuary based)-toxics, nutrient/organic loads, and atmospheric (bight based)-toxics, metals.

An experiment observed the behavior of selected tagged plastic items deliberately released in different habitats of a tropical mangrove forest in NE Brazil in late rainy (September) and late dry (March) seasons. Significant differences were not reported among seasons. However, marine debris retention varied among habitats, according to characteristics such as hydrodynamic (i.e., flow rates and volume transported) and relative vegetation (Rhizophora mangle) height and density. The highest grounds retained significantly more items when compared to the borders of the river and the tidal creek. Among the used tagged items, PET bottles were more observed and margarine tubs were less observed, being easily transported to adjacent habitats. Plastic bags were the items most retained near the releasing site. The balance between items retained and items lost was positive, demonstrating that mangrove forests tend to retain plastic marine debris for long periods (months-years).

Marine plastic pollution has been a growing concern for decades. Single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads) are a significant source of this pollution. Although research outlining environmental, social, and economic impacts of marine plastic pollution is growing, few studies have examined policy and legislative tools to reduce plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads). This paper reviews current international market-based strategies and policies to reduce plastic bags and microbeads. While policies to reduce microbeads began in 2014, interventions for plastic bags began much earlier in 1991. However, few studies have documented or measured the effectiveness of these reduction strategies. Recommendations to further reduce single-use plastic marine pollution include: (i) research to evaluate effectiveness of bans and levies to ensure policies are having positive impacts on marine environments; and (ii) education and outreach to reduce consumption of plastic bags and microbeads at source.

Marine debris is a ubiquitous problem that poses a serious threat to the global oceans; it has motivated public participation in clean-up campaigns, as well as governmental involvement in developing mitigation strategies. While it is known that the problem of marine litter may be affected by waste management practices on land, beach survey results have seldom been compared with them. In this study, marine litter surveys on four beaches of Cijin Island were conducted to explore the effects of waste management and policy implications. Indirect evidence shows that chances for land-based litter, such as plastic bags and bottles, entering the marine environment can be greatly decreased if they can be properly reduced, reused and recycled. We suggest that mitigation measures should focus on source reduction, waste recycling and management, utilizing effective economic instruments, and pursuing a long-term public education campaign to raise the public awareness of this problem.

Using monthly otter-trawl deployments, spatial and temporal variability among the relative densities of marine debris were assessed in the Paranagua estuarine complex; a subtropical World Heritage Listed area in southern Brazil. During 432 deployments over 12 months, 291 marine debris items were identified; of which most (92%) were plastic, and more specifically shopping bags, food packages, candy wrappers and cups typically >21 mm long. The most contaminated sectors were those closest to Paranagua city and the adjacent port, and had up to 23.37±3.22 pieces ha(-1). Less urbanized sectors had between 12.84±1.49 and 9.32±1.10 pieces ha(-1). Contamination did not vary between dry or wet seasons, but rather was probably affected by consistent urban disposal and localized hydrological processes. Marine debris might be minimized by using more environment friendly materials, however a concrete solution requires adequately integrating local government and civil society.

Beach litter was monitored between April and October 1994 at Cramond Beach, Edinburgh. When compared with data collected over the same period in 1984, it was found that overall there was a twofold increase in litter, although the proportion of items found in some categories had decreased (containers, confectionery and crisp wrappers, clothing, fishing line, fishing net, shotgun cartridges, metal, cardboard and paper). Increases occurred in plastic fragments, plastic bags/ sheeting, glass fragments, wood, rope, wire and ‘other’. In addition, in 1994 sewage-related debris was included as a separate category, owing to the large increase in these items. In 1984 they were so infrequent that when found were classified as ‘other’, while in 1994 they composed an average of 14% of all litter found. It was concluded that beach cleanliness and, in particular, the presence of untreated sewage should be of national concern. Actions should be taken to reduce the amount of litter and stop raw sewage reaching the Firth of Forth, both by raising public awareness and by investment in the proper technology to improve current treatment measures.

Strand line litter levels on the shorelines of 23 of the Thousand Islands, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, were measured by 99×50 m transects. Nearly 34 000 items of litter, belonging to 11 categories, were counted. Litter levels have almost doubled on islands close inshore, and are more than five times higher on the offshore islands, since a similar survey in 1985. Polystyrene blocks, plastic bags and discarded footwear made up 80% of the items counted. Jakarta is still considered to be the source of most of the litter, though litter which is self-generated by tourist activities is more important than before. Social developments in Indonesian lifestyles have resulted in the appearance of litter items not seen in the 1985 survey. Plastic bags probably carpet the bottom of inshore Jakarta Bay. A comparison of the Thousand Islands' litter problems with those elsewhere in Indonesia, in Ghana and around the UK was made, following similar surveys in an additional 16 sites.

The distribution and abundance of larger marine debris were investigated on the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay and in Seine Bay during six oceanographic cruises undertaken from November 1992 to September 1993. Different types of debris were enumerated, particularly plastic bags and bottles, other plastic objects, metallic objects, glass and diverse materials including fishing gear. The results showed considerable annual and geographical variation in the Bay of Biscay, with peak abundance at the end of winter in an area off the Gironde Estuary where concentrations reached 14 debris per hectare. In all stations sampled, plastic bags accounted for a very high percentage (up to 95% or more) of total debris. In Seine Bay, only small amounts of debris were collected. All these results are interpreted with respect to hydrological conditions.

As a first step, the study investigates two beaches close to Jayapura, Irian Jaya province, Indonesia, for types and amounts of waste. The source of litter is a municipal dumpsite on the coastline in a nearby bay. In that bay lives a small community of traditional fishermen. These fisherfolk mainly use gill nets, hook and line, or gather shellfish and molluscs by hand. The respondents described impacts such as propeller entanglements, foulings of gill nets and hooks, damage to the fishing gear, and injuries. These problems were viewed by some as serious enough to cause modifications to their fishing behaviour (sometimes against their best economic interest) such as avoidance of some fishing areas, and use of different types of gear. Plastic bags are the most common type of debris reported by the fishermen. More than half of gill net fishing expeditions had debris fouling the nets.

Dead stranded sea turtles were recovered and examined to determine the impact of anthropogenic debris and fishery activities on sea turtles on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Esophagus/stomach contents of 38 juvenile green Chelonia mydas, 10 adults and sub-adults loggerhead Caretta caretta, and two leatherback Dermochelys coriacea turtles (adult or sub-adult) included plastic bags as the main debris ingested, predominated by white and colorless pieces. The ingestion of anthropogenic debris accounted for the death of 13.2% of the green turtles examined. Signs of damage over the body and carapace indicated that fishing activities caused the death of 13.6% (3/22) of loggerheads and 1.5% (1/56) of green turtles. Therefore, it appears that direct and indirect effects of fishing activities may pose a threat to these species in Brazilian waters. Other sources of plastic debris should be investigated as well as the direct impact of fisheries, especially bottom trawl and gill nets, in order to establish effective conservation action.

The endangered Florida manatee ingests debris while feeding. From 1978 through 1986, 439 salvaged manatees were examined. Debris was in the gastrointestinal tract of 63 (14.4%) and four died as a direct result of debris ingestion. Monofilament fishing line was the most common debris found (N=49). Plastic bags, string, twine, rope, fish hooks, wire, paper, cellophane, synthetic sponges, rubber bands, and stockings also were recovered. Entanglement in lines and nets killed 11 manatees from 1974 through 1985. Numerous free-ranging manatees have missing or scarred flippers from entanglements, or debris still encircling one or both flippers. We recommend local cleanups, education of the public, and fishing restrictions in high use areas to significantly reduce harm to manatees.

Short-term studies on man-made litter deposited on the beaches of the Edinburgh coastline of the Firth of Forth, Scotland, have demonstrated that containers of all kinds, plastic bags, plastic sheeting and clothing, comprise the main and dominant components of the nineteen categories of litter analysed. Most of the litter is of local origin either deposited in situ or washed ashore from neighbouring water's-edge tips. Very little evidence was found of litter washed ashore being of foreign origin or having been tipped overboard from ships at sea. Much of the smaller items of litter are discarded by visitors to the beach. The solution to the problem is seen as one of education at all levels rather than ineffective punitive measures.