Marine litter in south Bay of Biscay: Local differences in beach littering are associated with citizen perception and awareness

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2018-06, Vol.131 (Pt A), p.727-735
• Main Authors: Rayon-Viña, Fernando, Miralles, Laura, Gómez-Agenjo, Marta, Dopico, Eduardo, Garcia-Vazquez, Eva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; ALDFG; Awareness; Awareness-raising; Bathing Beaches - statistics & numerical data; Bays; Beached litter; Beaches; Conservation of Natural Resources; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Females; Fishing; Fishing gear; Gender; Gender aspects; Humans; Litter; Males; Marine debris; Marine litter; Marine pollution; Middle Aged; Perception; Perceptions; Plastic debris; Plastics; Plastics - analysis; Public Opinion; Sex differences; Spain; Surveying; Surveys and Questionnaires; Waste Products - analysis
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.066

Marine litter is often left by beachgoers. Thus, understanding beachgoers' perception and awareness is important. In this study, the amount and type of litter was measured from nine beaches of central south Bay of Biscay (Spain), and a survey about perception and awareness of the beach littering was conducted among beachgoers. The region could be considered moderately littered compared with other studies, with significant differences among beaches for litter amount and types. Plastic was the most abundant item, followed by fishing gear. Differences among beaches for awareness and litter perception correlated significantly with differences in litter amount. Perception was positively correlated with beach frequentation. Significant gender differences were found, males taking more actions against litter than females regardless how much litter they perceived. These results could be employed for designing campaigns of beach litter treatment and awareness raising, by taking into account local differences detected in this study. •Plastic items and fishing gear were more abundant litter types in southwest Bay of Biscay.•Differences among beaches occur for both littering and public awareness and perception in this region.•Litter perception is positively correlated with beach frequentation in this study.•Age and gender differences in action-taking against litter suggest the need of specific campaigns to raise awareness.