Strategies to Reduce, Control, and Minimize Land-Source Marine Debris

Abstract

While acknowledging that marine debris arises from the actions of man, it has become increasingly clear that it cannot be attributed solely to man’s activities in the oceans. In this paper, we (1) identify the primary land-based sources of marine debris; (2) discuss the main coastal and upland activities that affect the discharges of plastic waste and other floatable debris into the marine environment; and (3) conclude with some ideas concerning strategies and activities to reduce, control, and minimize these sources.