Coordination and harmonization of a marine plastic debris monitoring program for beaches in the Wider Caribbean Region: Identifying strategic pathways forward

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2021-10, Vol.171, p.112767, Article 112767
• Main Author: Ambrose, Kristal K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beaches; Coordination; Debris; Governance; Harmonization; International organizations; Marine debris; Marine debris monitoring; Marine environment; Marine plastic debris; Monitoring; Plastic debris; Standardization; Surveying; United Nations decade of ocean science; Wider Caribbean Region
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112767

An aim of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science is to quantify marine plastic debris in the marine environment. This study analyzes peer-reviewed articles on marine debris monitoring conducted on beaches in the Wider Caribbean Region, with a focus on marine plastic debris. Governance and funding regimes for monitoring events were assessed to determine strategies needed for coordinated and harmonized marine plastic debris monitoring in the Wider Caribbean Region. High variation in standardized survey protocols were observed during monitoring events. Standardization of sampling methodology and reporting metrics among other considerations, are needed to establish a regional marine plastic debris monitoring program that can inform policy for the Wider Caribbean Region. •High variation in survey protocols on beaches in Wider Caribbean Region (WCR).•Coordination and harmonization of monitoring events needed for WCR beaches.•Regional harmonization requires adequate governance, funding and training mechanisms.•Survey standardization can inform policy interventions for marine debris management.