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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Spatial and temporal trends of marine litter in the Spanish Mediterranean seafloor

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2018 41 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Santiago García-Rivera, José Luis Sánchez‐Lizaso, J.M. Bellido-Millán

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.

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