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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

Rocky shoreline protocols miss microplastics in marine debris surveys (Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2017 31 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 30 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Matt McWilliams, Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Matt McWilliams, Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Yolanda F. Wiersma, Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron Max Liboiron

Summary

This study amended a standardized marine debris survey protocol for rocky shorelines, finding that standard sandy-beach methods underestimate litter on cobble beaches because plastics become buried under rocks. The findings highlight the need for habitat-specific monitoring protocols to accurately assess plastic contamination in diverse coastal environments.

Study Type Environmental

Most anthropogenic marine debris shoreline studies are conducted on sandy shores, rather than rocky coastlines. We amended a standardized protocol for monitoring marine debris on a high-loading beach composed of small rocks and cobbles in Newfoundland, Canada. Our protocol had two parts: we conducted stratified sampling to a depth of ~20cm below the surface of the rocks (standing survey), and surveyed accumulation of items on the surface of rocks every other day (loading survey). We found the vast majority of smaller items were below the surface. Only 17.2% of debris were microplastics (<5mm). Types of anthropogenic debris differed significantly between the standing survey and the loading survey. We found no relationship between either wind direction or wind speed, and distributions of debris. This study allows for a better understanding of marine debris detection along rocky coasts, and the limitations of protocols for studying them.

Read via DOI PubMed

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