First assessment of anthropogenic marine debris in mangrove forests of Mauritius, a small oceanic island. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seeruttun, Linisha Devi; Raghbor, Phanesh; Appadoo, Chandani
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 164(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Anthropogenic marine debris -- Mangrove -- Plastic pollution -- Island -- Mauritius; 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.2021.112019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: We evaluated the status of anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) in two natural mangrove forests on Mauritius, one of which in proximity to human settlement (Mahebourg) and the other more remote (Ferney). AMD was collected monthly from October to December 2018 in 1500 m 2 at both sites and classified into material composition and their potential sources. In all, 2127 items (150.07 kg) was sampled at Mahebourg and 1098 items (43.71 kg) at Ferney. In line with global studies, plastic made up most of the debris in terms of both count (42.92%, 43.66%) and total weight (40.65%, 32.08%) at Mahebourg and Ferney respectively. Most debris originated from shoreline and recreational activities. This work sets a baseline to assess impacts of AMD on mangroves, public awareness required and future strategies for waste monitoring and management in mangroves that may be applied both locally and on other small islands. Highlights: Anthropogenic marine debris evaluation in mangrove forest on islands Occurrence of anthropogenic marine debris in mangrove forests subjected to contrasting anthropogenic activities Ubiquity of plastic in the marine and coastal environment