No abstract

Seafloor sediments have been defined as sinks for microplastics in the marine environment and could therefore represent suitable matrices for their long-term monitoring. On a regional aspect, the adoption of a common indicator for microplastics in seafloor sediments would allow regional monitoring and assessments through international frameworks such as OSPAR. This study presents the findings of a research and development project monitoring the occurrence and abundance of microplastics in UK seafloor sediments for the period 2013-2021, supporting the development of a national monitoring programme for microplastics in seafloor sediments for the UK (England and Wales). A fast-screening technique based on Nile Red staining of polymers coupled with µ-FTIR was applied and validated using µ-FTIR-FPA. Microplastic particles were detected in all 189 sediment samples from 15 stations selected around the UK for each investigated year (2013 - 2021). Microplastic concentrations (20 – 5000 µm) ranged from 133 – 6,933 particles kg-1 dry weight sediment for 2020-2021. Microplastics mainly consisted of fragments (73%), fibres (19%) and spheres (8%). Plastic fragments ranged from 46 to 3276 µm and plastic fibres from 300 to 1731 µm in length with a mean diameter of 16 µm. Single particle analysis using µ-FTIR indicated a prevalence of Rayon, PP, Rayon/Nylon/Polyester blends, Rubber, PS, PE, PA, PVC, Acrylic, EMAA and PET. Fragments were mainly white in colour (46%) followed by brown (38%), black (1%), blue (1%) and orange (1%). Fibres were mainly white in colour (57%) followed by black (14%), orange (14%) and red (14%). A trend assessment at the UK regional seas levels indicated little visual evidence of any trends in the abundance of microplastics over time in any of the regional seas – with the possible exception of the Northern North Sea with a reduction in abundance over time for the time-period 2013-2021.

The mismanagement of waste and subsequent presence of litter in the environment is an increasingly significant problem. Globally, rivers have been shown to be a major pathway for mismanaged waste. We investigated the distribution of macro, meso and micro litter along the Belize river basin. The North-East Atlantic OSPAR beach litter monitoring protocol was adapted for Belize, taking into account local issues such as mangroves and Sargassum sp. accumulations. On average, 77.3% of litter items consisted of plastic, and the most common items categories were unidentifiable plastic pieces (0–2.5 and 2.5–50 cm), broken glass, and metal bottle caps. The study indicated that there is an increase in the litter load as you move from catchment to coast, with both Plastic Pieces (PP) and Fishing Related (FR) items also increasing in numbers down the system. Additionally, microplastics abundance was determined in riverine sediments and in the riverine fish Cichlasoma synspilum (n = 22). All sediment samples contained microplastics, with a concentration of 200–6500 particles per kg dry sediment. Microplastics were found to be present in 36% of the riverine fish. The data from this study will provide evidence for the formation of Belizean legislation to reduce marine litter.

Marine litter is a significant global threat. The complex and cross cutting nature involved in tackling marine litter requires a coordinated response involving multiple sectors and a broad range of stakeholders. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to detrimental impacts of marine litter on quality of life and economies, particularly tourism and fisheries sectors. This paper presents national Marine Litter Action Plans (MLAP) as effective tools for coordinating responses addressing marine litter and specifically outlines the process undertaken to develop a national MLAP for the country of Belize, a Caribbean SIDS. Actions included in the MLAP, adopted by Belize in 2019, focused on developing science related to marine litter through monitoring and capacity building, tackling land- and sea-based sources through enforcement and planning, and boosting awareness through outreach and education. The paper further summarizes common challenges faced by SIDS and identifies key enabling conditions that facilitated MLAP development and adoption from perspective of a Caribbean SIDS. These experiences from Belize include stakeholder engagement, communication, governance, transparency, equity, scientific surveys, data gaps, and capacity building. The lessons learned from this practical application can be applied when developing and implementing MLAPs in other SIDS and beyond.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract