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
Summary
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.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
What, where, and when: Spatial-temporal distribution of macro-litter on the seafloor of the western and central Mediterranean sea
Using fishery-independent monitoring data from the western Mediterranean, this study characterized the spatial and temporal distribution of macro-litter on the seafloor, identifying accumulation hotspots to guide marine litter management efforts.
Spatial distribution of marine macro-litter on the seafloor in the northern Mediterranean Sea: the MEDITS initiative
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
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
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
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.