Citizen scientists reveal: Marine litter pollutes Arctic beaches and affects wild life. Issue 1 (15th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergmann, Melanie; Lutz, Birgit; Tekman, Mine B.; Gutow, Lars
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 125:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 535
• Page End: 540
• Publication Date: 2017-12-15
• Subjects: Arctic -- Beach litter -- Citizen science -- Marine debris -- Marine litter -- Plastic pollution; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Recent data indicate accumulation areas of marine litter in Arctic waters and significant increases over time. Beaches on remote Arctic islands may be sinks for marine litter and reflect pollution levels of the surrounding waters particularly well. We provide the first quantitative data from surveys carried out by citizen scientists on six beaches of Svalbard. Litter quantities recorded by cruise tourists varied from 9–524 g m − 2 and were similar to those from densely populated areas. Plastics accounted for > 80% of the overall litter, most of which originated from fisheries. Photographs provided by citizens show deleterious effects of beach litter on Arctic wildlife, which is already under strong pressure from global climate change. Our study highlights the potential of citizen scientists to provide scientifically valuable data on the pollution of sensitive remote ecosystems. The results stress once more that current legislative frameworks are insufficient to tackle the pollution of Arctic ecosystems. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The litter pollution of Arctic beaches is similar to densely populated areas. Plastics from fisheries account for > 80% of litter on Arctic beaches. Plastic litter has deleterious effects on Arctic wildlife including polar bears.