Plastic litter distribution in Pulau Rambut Wildlife Sanctuary

Abstract

It is not a secret that human activities caused marine litter. Marine litter has become a significant threat and pollutant problem globally, with plastic being the most predominant type of marine litter. It is reported that Pulau Rambut Wildlife Sanctuary, a home and an essential habitat of various species of waterbirds, has been facing marine litter, mostly plastic waste, as a significant threat. This paper aims to identify marine litter's occurrence and distribution, especially plastic, in Pulau Rambut Wildlife Sanctuary. Data was conducted using a modification of the shoreline survey method by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a visual survey. Sampling consisted of collecting a macro litter (>2.5 cm) from four plots representing each type of land cover in Pulau Rambut. Foam and plastic are two categories of litter that were commonly found on the island. Plastic spreads in the north to the east part of the island while styrofoam spreads in the west and northwest part of the island.