The collateral effects of COVID-19 on coastal and marine environments

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2024-10, Vol.207, p.116903, Article 116903
• Main Authors: Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson, Adriana, Gracia C., Galgani, Francois
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coastal quality; COVID; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Ecosystem; Fisheries; Humans; Life Sciences; Management; Marine ecosystems; Pandemics; Plastics; PPE; SARS-CoV-2; Sciences of the Universe; Water Pollution - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116903

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a global health and economic crisis, significantly impacting coastal and marine environments. Lockdowns and restrictions, while necessary for public health, led to both positive and negative environmental consequences. Reduced human activity resulted in decreased pollution and habitat disruption, allowing for ecosystem recovery and improved water quality. However, the surge in single-use plastics and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic exacerbated plastic pollution. Additionally, the economic downturn severely affected coastal communities reliant on tourism and fisheries, highlighting the need for sustainable recovery strategies. This Special Issue explores these collateral effects, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management and resilient governance in safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems against future crises. •COVID-19 affected health, the environment, and economies.•Pandemic heightened plastic waste issues.•Less human activity benefited coastal ecosystems.•Tourism declines harshly impacted local economies.•The crisis stimulated new coastal management strategies.