Global Garbage Newsletter for November 24, 2014 Marine litter (marine debris) and plastic pollution *** Peter G. Ryan, Seth Musker, Ariella Rink, Low densities of drifting litter in the African sector of the Southern Ocean, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 89, Issues 1–2, 15 December 2014, Pages 16-19, ISSN 0025-326X, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.043. (sciencedirect/science/article/pii/S0025326X14007279) Abstract: Only 52 litter items (>1 cm diameter) were observed in 10,467 km of at-sea transects in the African sector of the Southern Ocean. Litter density north of the Subtropical Front (0.58 items km−2) was less than in the adjacent South Atlantic Ocean (1–6 items km−2), but has increased compared to the mid-1980s. Litter density south of the Subtropical Front was an order of magnitude less than in temperate waters (0.032 items km−2). There was no difference in litter density between sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters either side of the Antarctic Polar Front. Most litter was made of plastic (96%). Fishery-related debris comprised a greater proportion of litter south of the Subtropical Front (33%) than in temperate waters (13%), where packaging dominated litter items (68%). The results confirm that the Southern Ocean is the least polluted ocean in terms of drifting debris and suggest that most debris comes from local sources. Keywords: Marine debris; Plastic litter; Fishery wastes; South Atlantic Ocean; Indian Ocean; Survey *** Elissa Pearson, Sarah Mellish, Ben Sanders, Carla Litchfield, Marine wildlife entanglement: Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and relevant behaviour in the Australian community, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 89, Issues 1–2, 15 December 2014, Pages 136-148, ISSN 0025-326X, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.014. (sciencedirect/science/article/pii/S0025326X14006821) Abstract: Marine debris remains a global challenge, with significant impacts on wildlife. Despite this, there is a paucity of research examining public understanding about marine wildlife entanglement [MWE], particularly within an Australian context. The present study surveyed two hundred and thirteen participants across three coastal sites to assess familiarity with MWE and the effectiveness of a new community education initiative ‘Seal the Loop’ [STL]. Results revealed attitudes toward marine wildlife were very positive (M 40.5, SD 4.12); however 32% of participants were unable to correctly explain what MWE is and risks to wildlife were under-estimated. STL may be one method to enhance public understanding and engagement-if community familiarity with the program can be increased. For those aware of STL (
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 17:37:01 +0000
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