Distribution and abundance of debris on the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay and in Seine Bay

The distribution and abundance of larger marine debris were investigated on the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay and in Seine Bay during six oceanographic cruises undertaken from November 1992 to September 1993. Different types of debris were enumerated, particularly plastic bags and bottles,...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 1995, Vol.30 (1), p.58-62
Main Authors: Galgani, F., Burgeot, T., Bocquéné, G., Vincent, F., Leauté, J.P., Labastie, J., Forest, A., Guichet, R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Natural water pollution
Pollution
Seawaters, estuaries
Water treatment and pollution
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The distribution and abundance of larger marine debris were investigated on the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay and in Seine Bay during six oceanographic cruises undertaken from November 1992 to September 1993. Different types of debris were enumerated, particularly plastic bags and bottles, other plastic objects, metallic objects, glass and diverse materials including fishing gear. The results showed considerable annual and geographical variation in the Bay of Biscay, with peak abundance at the end of winter in an area off the Gironde Estuary where concentrations reached 14 debris per hectare. In all stations sampled, plastic bags accounted for a very high percentage (up to 95% or more) of total debris. In Seine Bay, only small amounts of debris were collected. All these results are interpreted with respect to hydrological conditions.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/0025-326X(94)00101-E