Wave fetch and distance from the ocean determine the distribution of macroplastics in the intertidal zone of central Spitsbergen, Arctic

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2022-04, Vol.177, p.113516-113516, Article 113516
• Main Authors: Liutkus, Mantas, Olenin, Sergej, Marcin Węsławski, Jan, Kotwicki, Lech
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archipelagoes; Cluster analysis; Correlation analysis; Distance; Distribution; Fetch; Geolocation data; Intertidal environment; Intertidal zone; Marine debris; Marine litter; Marine pollution; OSPAR classification; Photos; Polar environments; Surveying; Svalbard
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113516

In this study, we estimated the variety and distribution of macroplastics in the central part of Spitsbergen, Svalbard archipelago, Arctic. All marine litter photos were georeferenced, then identified using the OSPAR (2010) classification guide. The majority (90% of all objects) of marine debris was macroplastic with average number in the study area being 2.0 ± 0.4 objects per 100 m. It was determined that the full variety of macroplastic categories in the study area can be found after surveying approx. 8 km of coastline. Correlation analysis showed that the amount of macroplastic accumulated on the beaches decreases with distance from the open ocean and increases with wave fetch. When zoning the entire study area on the basis of a cluster analysis of the distribution of macroplastics, it was found that the geographical proximity of the sections is less important than the wave fetch. •90% of marine litter in the intertidal zone of central Spitsbergen is macroplastic.•The average density of macroplastic is 2.0 ± 0.4 item per 100 m.•Density decreases with distance from the open ocean and increases with wave fetch.•Most macroplastic categories can be determined by examining 8 km of coast.