We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ocean-based sources of plastic pollution: An overview of the main marine activities in the Peruvian EEZ.
Summary
This study used material flow analysis to quantify the plastic waste entering the ocean from Peruvian fishing, shipping, and aquaculture activities, finding the fishing industry as the largest marine-based source. The results highlight the importance of ocean-based sources of plastic pollution alongside the better-studied land-based pathways.
Marine-based activities are a critical source of plastic waste into the ocean. This is particularly important in countries with a competitive fishing industry, such as Peru. Thus, this study aimed to identify and quantify the major flows of plastic waste accumulating in the ocean from ocean-based sources within the Peruvian Economic Exclusive Zone. A material flow analysis was elaborated to analyze the stock of plastic and its release to the ocean by a set of Peruvian fleets, including the fishing industry, merchant vessels, cruises, and boating vessels. Results show that in 2018 between 2715 and 5584 metric tons of plastic waste entered the ocean. The fishing fleet was the most pollutant, representing approximately 97 % of the total. Moreover, fishing gear loss represented the highest single-activity contribution, although other sources, such as plastic packaging and antifouling emissions, have the potential to become vast sources of marine plastic pollution.