Accumulation of Marine Debris on an Intertidal Beach in an Urban Park (Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia)

Abstract

This study evaluated monthly accumulation rates and types of marine debris washed ashore at a recreational beach in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax Harbour, between April and September 2005. Black Rock Beach is 70 m long and a total of 2129 marine debris items were collected and sorted, representing a mean accumulation rate of 355 (±68 SE) items month-1. The total weight of debris items was only 10.8 kg (mean 2 kg ±0.4 SE), however eighty-six percent of this debris was plastic material. The types of litter found included: tampon applicators, condoms (i.e., sewage-related debris [SRD]); plastic fast food packaging, confectionary wrappers, Styrofoam fragments, plastic bottles and caps, items of clothing, soft drink cans, cigarettes and cigarette holders (i.e., recreational or land-based debris); packing bands, nylon rope and nets (i.e., shipping- or fishing-related debris). These items were generated by recreational use of the park (52%), sewage disposal (14%) and from shipping and fishing activities (7%). It is suggested that a significant reduction in marine debris at recreational beaches may arise by improving public awareness of the environmental and aesthetic impacts of marine litter and future improvements to the municipal sewage disposal system.

A Canadian policy framework to mitigate plastic marine pollution

“…2). This is in stark contrast to plastic composition found in other studies (470%) (e.g., [2,6]). In Nova Scotia, 37% comprised of plastic, including food wrappers, bottle caps, strapping bands, packaging, beverage bottles and plastic grocery bags ( [24]; Fig.…”

“…Environmental impacts of macroplastics are well known, with established programs designed to remove macroplastics from beaches, waterfronts, and oceans [1,3,6,15]. However, there are major gaps of scientific knowledge, hindering the development of management strategies for microplastics due to the limited number of studies [8,[10][11][12].…”

“…In addition, shipowners are encouraged to adopt best management practices and implement effective solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle ship generated garbage. Walker et al [6] found that 70% of marine debris found in Halifax Harbor was derived from landbased sources, rather than ship-based sources.…”

“…Fishing, aquaculture, and seafood industries may suffer from poor catches that require increased fishing effort [5]. Additionally, marine plastic pollution may decrease the esthetic appeal of coastal areas [3,6,7].…”

An Empirical Assessment of Marine Debris, Seawater Quality and Littering in Ghana

“…Water quality results for this study is comparable to that in the Halifax harbour where raw sewage has been discharged for more than 200 years [48]. Bacterial contamination is pervasive throughout the harbour, and the waterfronts along Halifax and Dartmouth are aesthetically poor owing to particulates, floatables, and odour [49].…”