This document summarizes a study on marine debris found on beaches. The study hypothesized that land-based debris would be more abundant on beaches than sea-based debris. Through surveys of sandy beaches along saltwater and freshwater shorelines, the study found that 98% of debris was from land-based sources, primarily plastic. The document discusses the environmental and economic impacts of marine debris, such as threats to wildlife, contaminated water, and decreased tourism. It calls for global action through increased research, education, and efforts by communities and individuals to help address the growing problem of marine debris.

1. Marine Debris:
A Growing Global Issue
Marsha Sisney
Environmental Stewardship
Miami University

2. 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

3. Sea-based Sources & Types of
Debris

4. Land-based Types & Sources of
Debris

5. 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

6. Field Test Equipment
 Litter Monitoring Form
 Clipboard
 Pencils
 Debris Collection Bag
MATERIALS
• Camera
• Stop Watch
• GPS Device

7. SALTWATER BEACH SITE
Crescent Beach, Siesta Key
Sarasota, Florida
Highly
Frequented by
Tourists
Water-related
Recreational
Activities

8. FRESHWATER BEACH SITE
North Avenue Beach
Chicago, Illinois
Seasonal
Frequency
Water-related
Recreational
Activities

9. RESULTS
98%
2%
Abundance of Debris
Land-based Debris Sea-based Debris

10. RESULTS
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Number of Debris Items
Plastic
Cigarette/Cigar
Foamed plastic
Glass
Metal
Fishing Gear
Cloth
Wood
Other

11. Economic Issues
Abandoned Vessels & Gear
Navigational Hazards
Ghostfishing, 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

12. • Contaminated Beaches
• Navigational Hazards
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Occurrence Impact
• Beach Closures
•Decrease in Tourism
Revenue
• Loss of Vessel
•Decrease in Fishing
Revenue

13. Environmental
Threats to Wildlife
Habitat Degradation
Entanglement
Strangulation
Smothering
Ingestion
Image courtesy of NOAA Fisheries, PIFSC, July 10, 2013. Adapted
from: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/multimedia/images/impacts

14. Type of Debris Impact
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
 Nurdles: Microplastic Pellets
 Ghost Fishing Gear
 Plastic Bags
≈ Food Chain
≈ Marine Species and Habitats
≈ Turtles

15. ACTION PLANS
Develop
Formalized
Assessments
Generate
Community
Participation
Provide
Educational
Trainings

16. Solutions

17. Be proactive!
How can you help?
Become a part of the
solution!

18.  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

19. Thank You for Listening!