Fan-Jun Kuo, Hsiang-Wen Huang, Strategy for mitigation of marine debris:
Analysis of sources and composition of marine debris in northern Taiwan,
Marine Pollution Bulletin, Available online 26 April 2014, ISSN
0025-326X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.04.019.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X14002318)
Abstract: Six sites (two sites for each of rocky shores, sandy beaches,
and fishing ports) in northern Taiwan were selected to investigate the
amount and density of marine debris in each of the four seasons and
after spring and neap tides from 2012 to 2013. The results indicate that
marine debris was higher on rocky shores than sandy beaches and fishing
ports. There is no significant difference between season and tide. The
dominant debris was plastic-type, followed by polystyrene. The majority
of debris originated from recreational activities, followed from
ocean/waterway activities. The results suggest that the following
actions are needed: (1) continue and reinforce the plastic-limit policy;
(2) increase the cleaning frequency at rocky shores; (3) promote marine
environmental education, with a goal of debris-free coasts; (4) recycle
fishing gear and to turn that gear into energy; and (5) coordinate
between agencies to establish a mechanism to monitor debris.
Keywords: Plastics; Plastic-limit policy; Shoreline and recreational
activities; Strip transect