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Seasonal and spatial variations in shoreline plastic debris in Cenderawasih Bay National Park, Indonesia: A risk to ecologically sensitive areas
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Researchers found plastic trash (mostly common food-packaging plastics like polypropylene and polystyrene) washing up on beaches inside a protected marine park in Indonesia at similar or even higher levels than beaches outside it, showing that simply drawing park boundaries on a map doesn't stop pollution from drifting in. This matters because plastic that accumulates in these waters breaks down over time into microplastics, which can enter the seafood people eat and have been linked to potential health concerns — meaning protecting fish and shellfish sources requires broader coastal cleanup efforts, not just protected-zone labels.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) face persistent challenges from mobile plastic pollutants. This research quantified the spatial and seasonal patterns of shoreline plastic debris within Cenderawasih Bay National Park (CBNP), Indonesia, and analyzed the polymer composition. Surveys of macro- and mesoplastics were conducted at 13 beach sites (inside vs. outside MPA boundaries) across two seasons, and FTIR spectroscopy was applied to 64 particles. Results revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity, with densities ranging from 0.01 to 4.98 items.m. A significant season × beach zone interaction (χ = 18.30, p < 0.001) indicated reduced vertical gradients during the wet season. Polymer analysis identified polypropylene (PP, 40.6%), polyethylene (PE, 26.6%), and expanded polystyrene (EPS, 20.3%) as the dominant types. Mean densities inside the MPA (0.13 ± 0.06 items.m) were numerically lower than outside (0.48 ± 0.36 items.m), though not statistically significant (p = 0.185). These findings indicate that spatial variability within this semi-enclosed bay system is high, and MPA administrative boundaries alone did not correspond to measurable reductions in plastic accumulation. Results underscore the importance of integrated land-sea management approaches in tropical coastal systems.
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Measurement of microplastic density in the Karimunjawa National Park, Central Java, Indonesia
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Researchers measured microplastic abundance in the waters of the Karimunjawa National Park in Indonesia, a marine protected area, finding contamination despite its protected status. The results highlight that even designated conservation areas are not shielded from microplastic pollution carried by ocean currents.
Comparative Study on the Microplastics Abundance and Characteristics in Marine Protected Area in Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia
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Microplastics were found across both protected and unprotected zones of Karimunjawa National Park, a marine conservation area in Indonesia, with concentrations actually higher inside the marine protected area (MPA) than outside. Fragments under 50 micrometers made of common packaging plastics dominated the samples, with sources traced to nearby tourist cottage construction activities on the southern boundary of the MPA. The study highlights that protected area status alone does not shield ecosystems from microplastic contamination when nearby human activities continue unchecked.
Mikroplastik Pada Sedimen di Zona Pemukiman, Zona Perlindungan Bahari dan Zona Pemanfaatan Darat Kepulauan Karimunjawa, Jepara
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This Indonesian study investigated microplastic types and abundances in sediments across different zones of the Karimunjawa National Park, comparing residential, marine protected, and buffer zones. The results show that even protected marine areas in Indonesia are not immune to microplastic contamination.
Abundance and characterization of microplastic pollution in the wildlife reserve, Ramsar site, recreational areas, and national park in northern Jakarta and Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia
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This is the first study to measure microplastic pollution in sediments across protected areas near Jakarta, Indonesia, including a wildlife reserve, a Ramsar wetland site, and a marine national park. Microplastics were found at all locations, with higher concentrations closer to human activity and during the dry season. The results suggest that even designated conservation areas are not spared from microplastic contamination.
Lintasan sampah mikro plastik di kawasan konservasi perairan Nasional Laut Sawu, Nusa Tenggara Timur
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This Indonesian study tracks pathways of microplastic debris through the Sawu Sea National Marine Conservation Area, identifying how ocean currents distribute plastic waste through this protected ecosystem. The findings highlight the difficulty of shielding marine reserves from plastic pollution originating outside their boundaries.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.