Journal article
Low quantities of marine debris at the northern Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia, influenced by visitation and accessibility
Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.174, Art. 113294
2022
Abstract
Marine debris (MD) is a serious environmental concern globally. Yet, few studies have reported on MD in sanctuary zones of the Indian Ocean. Consequently, coastal transects were conducted to determine MD quantity, composition and distribution at northern Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. Debris density ranged between 0.004 and 0.02 items m−2 with the greatest density near Exmouth township. Composition was predominantly plastic (61%) with fishing-related items (25.5%) and plastic fragments/remnants (16%) the most numerous overall. Land-based and general sourced MD accounted for 88% of all debris. Debris levels were significantly lower at sites with higher visitation and increased distance from access points. There was no significant difference between sanctuary and non-sanctuary zones. Although not immune to MD, this study suggests its remote location, environmental awareness and management strategies implemented at Ningaloo Marine Park may be key to its low MD levels.
Details
- Title
- Low quantities of marine debris at the northern Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia, influenced by visitation and accessibility
- Authors/Creators
- E.L. Westlake (Author/Creator) - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationE. Lawrence (Author/Creator) - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationN. Travaglione (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityP. Barnes (Author/Creator) - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsD.P. Thomson (Author/Creator) - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
- Publication Details
- Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.174, Art. 113294
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Identifiers
- 991005542471107891
- Copyright
- © 2022 Elsevier Ltd.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.60 Herbicides, Pesticides & Ground Poisoning
- 3.60.2078 Microplastics
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- Marine & Freshwater Biology
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology