We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessing marine litter and its ecological impact on the seafloor of Thermaikos Gulf (NE Mediterranean Sea, Greece): Insights from ROV and diver surveys
AI summary Read the abstract
ROV and diver surveys of the Thermaikos Gulf seafloor found that plastics dominated litter composition (80%), with fishing-related items accounting for 65% of deep-water debris and single-use plastics comprising 46% of nearshore litter. Litter densities exceeded Mediterranean thresholds, with shallow areas showing 50 times higher concentrations than deeper sites, and documented faunal interactions highlighted significant ecological threats.
This study investigates marine litter and its ecological impacts on the seafloor of the Thermaikos Gulf (NE Mediterranean Sea, Greece) for the first time, using data from 40 ROV dives (15-90 m depth) carried out between 2020 and 2024, and 11 scuba dives (0-5 m depth) conducted primarily at fishing ports during the same period. Plastics dominated the litter composition (80 %), with fishing-related activities contributing to 65 % of the litter at depths from 15 to 90 m, while single-use plastics comprised 46 % of the litter at nearshore locations. ROV surveys revealed litter densities decreased with depth and were likely influenced by water circulation patterns and human activities, particularly fishing. Shallow waters exhibited 50 times higher densities, highlighting the severe accumulation of litter in nearshore areas, particularly in ports. Benthic animals observed in ROV footage were identified, and their abundance was recorded, providing insights into the ecosystem's exposure to litter. Moreover, documented faunal interactions, including ghost fishing, entanglement, colonization, and the use of litter for shelter, highlight the ecological threats posed by marine litter. These findings surpass established Mediterranean litter density thresholds for the seafloor, underscoring the urgent need for stricter waste management at ports and offshore, stronger enforcement of EU directives, and targeted educational campaigns. This research establishes benchmark levels for setting environmental objectives under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and for conducting targeted research to address litter pollution in the Thermaikos Gulf and similar coastal regions.
More Papers Like This
Use of ROV for assessing marine litter on the seafloor of Saronikos Gulf (Greece): a way to fill data gaps and deliver environmental education
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used a remotely operated underwater vehicle to survey marine litter on the seafloor of the Saronikos Gulf in Greece, finding that plastics and metals dominated the debris they recorded. The study also involved schoolchildren in the research cruise as part of an environmental education initiative within the PERSEUS project.
Quantification and characterization of microplastics in the Thermaic Gulf, in the North Aegean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected and analyzed microplastics from seawater, beach sediments, and seven commercial fish species in the Thermaic Gulf of the North Aegean Sea in Greece. They recorded over 28,000 microplastic particles across all environmental samples, classifying them by size, shape, color, and polymer type. The study adds to the growing evidence that the Mediterranean Sea is heavily affected by microplastic pollution across multiple environmental compartments.
Anthropic pressure due to lost fishing gears and marine litter on different rhodolith beds off the Campania Coast (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a quantitative assessment of lost fishing gear and marine litter on rhodolith beds off the Campania coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea using remotely operated vehicle surveys, documenting the type and density of anthropogenic debris on these internationally protected benthic habitats. The study found significant accumulation of fishing gear and plastic litter on deep rhodolith beds, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic pressure on poorly explored but ecologically important Mediterranean seabed communities.
Integrated approach for marine litter pollution assessment in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Information from bottom-trawl fishing and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study combined bottom-trawl fishing data with analysis of plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish from the southern Tyrrhenian Sea to assess seafloor litter pollution. Plastic was the most abundant litter type on the seafloor, and plastic fragments were found in fish digestive tracts, demonstrating that microplastic contamination extends to deep-sea ecosystems and enters the food web.
Microplastics in sandy beaches of Thermaikos Gulf: quantification and spatial distribution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution along eight locations in the Thermaikos Gulf coast, finding the highest concentrations in tourist-heavy areas, with fibers more prevalent near fishing activity and the midlittoral zone showing the greatest accumulation due to hydrodynamic deposition patterns.
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.