Marine litter assessment using remote sensing techniques – a review

Abstract

Marine litter, resulting from mismanaged waste disposed of in aquatic environments, is a widespread issue in marine pollution, posing significant environmental threats. Recent advancements in remote sensing technology are pivotal in marine litter studies, enabling large-scale detection and monitoring, which are reviewed in this article. Satellites equipped with infrared sensors aid in detecting marine litter, and the versatility of drones in gathering data on marine litter is a viable approach for quantifying litter. Furthermore, integrating remote sensing and GIS with AI technologies enhances the accuracy and efficiency of marine litter classification, supporting decision-makers.