Scott P. Wilson, Krista M. Verlis, The ugly face of tourism: Marine
debris pollution linked to visitation in the southern Great Barrier
Reef, Australia, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, 15
April 2017, Pages 239-246, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.036.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17300486)
Abstract: Abstract
Marine debris is one of the most significant issues facing oceans
worldwide. The sources of this debris vary depending on proximity to
urban centres and the nature of activities within an area. This paper
examines the influence of tourism in the southern Great Barrier Reef
(GBR), and its contribution to litter levels in the region. By
conducting beach debris surveys on occupied and unoccupied islands, this
study found that debris was prevalent throughout the region with
significant differences in material types between locations. The
greatest source of debris from publically accessible islands was
tourist-related, with this source also influencing debris loads on
nearby uninhabited islands. A focus on debris at Heron Island, showed
that sites close to amenities had greater levels of tourist-sourced
items like cigarette butts. These findings indicate the contribution of
tourists to this problem and that working with operators and managers is
needed to minimise visitor impacts.
Keywords: Marine debris; Litter; Sources; Tourism; Great Barrier Reef;
Management