We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatial and temporal trends of marine litter in the Spanish Mediterranean seafloor
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 11 years of MEDITS trawl survey data to map marine litter on the Spanish Mediterranean seafloor, finding plastics were the most abundant litter by weight, that densities varied significantly by region, and that overall litter levels remained stable or slightly decreased over the study period.
Composition, spatial distribution and temporal evolution of marine litter on the Spanish Mediterranean seafloor were assessed. The data derive from Spanish MEDITS surveys over 11 years and were analysed by GIS. A total amount of 2197.8 kg of litter was collected. Marine litter (by weight) was composed of plastics (29.3%), clinker (28.4%), wood (10.2%), metal (9.7%) and glass (6.2%). Its density varied among Areas (Alboran Sea > Valenciana >Alboran Island > Tramontana). For the last 11 years, the marine litter has remained stable or decreases in some case. The information provided by this study is a useful baseline to study such debris on the Spanish seafloor. The MEDITS survey has proven to be an appropriate monitoring tool, also of use to assess future control measures.
More Papers Like This
Spatial distribution of marine macro-litter on the seafloor in the northern Mediterranean Sea: the MEDITS initiative
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the spatial distribution of plastic macro-litter on the northern Mediterranean seafloor using MEDITS trawl survey data from 2013-2015, identifying accumulation hotspots using generalized additive models incorporating depth, latitude, longitude, and other environmental covariates.
The Seafloor Marine Debris on the North and the Central Part Ofthe Moroccan Atlantic Waters from Tangier (35° n) to Sidi Ifni (29° n): Composition, Abundance, Spatial Distribution, Sources and Movement
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used trawl surveys to map marine debris on the seafloor along 1,300 km of Morocco's Atlantic coast, documenting the composition, abundance, and distribution of debris from bottom trawling surveys. Plastic waste dominated the debris, with findings providing baseline data on seafloor plastic pollution in a heavily fished and under-studied region.
Marine Litter Distribution and Density in European Seas, from the Shelves to Deep Basins
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mapped marine litter distribution and density across European seas — from shallow shelves to deep basins — finding litter present at all depths and in all regions surveyed, with deep-sea areas accumulating significant loads.
Seguimiento de basuras marinas en playas españolas
AI summary Read the abstract
This Spanish study monitored marine litter on Spanish beaches over time, tracking trends in litter quantity and type as part of efforts to implement EU marine strategy directives. The monitoring data show that plastic remains the dominant form of marine litter and that progress toward reduction targets has been slow.
Baseline study of the distribution of marine debris on soft-bottom habitats associated with trawling grounds in the northern Mediterranean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed marine debris on soft seafloor habitats associated with trawling grounds across four areas of the northern Mediterranean, finding geographic variation in litter density and composition. The study also examined how organisms colonize plastic items on the seafloor, contributing to understanding of plastic as an artificial substrate in benthic ecosystems.
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.