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Most plastic debris on beaches of Seychelles comes from distant sources



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Most plastic debris on beaches of Seychelles comes from distant sources

News9Live Staff Published:

23 Jan 2023 16:10:PM

Most plastic debris on beaches of Seychelles comes from distant sources Plastic debris in the Seychelles. (Image credit: University of Oxford). The findings are applicable to islands in the Western Indian oceans where plastic waste washes on to the beaches

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  • Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka are the main sources of land-based plastic waste.
  • The plastic waste from fisheries and shipping lanes also ends up on the beaches.
  • There is a strong seasonal influence on the rate of accumulation of plastic waste.

A modelling study has indicated that most of the plastic waste that accumulates on the beaches of Seychelles and other islands in the western Indian Ocean originate from distant sources. Both land-based and marine plastic debris washes up on these islands. When it comes to medium-large debris with a high buoyancy such as bottles, sandals and domestic items, Indonesia is the primary source, with major contributions from India and Sri Lanka. Smaller plastic debris sinks into the water quicker, and mostly originated from East Africa or from Seychelles itself. A significant portion of the debris also comes from shipping lanes and discarded fishing gear.

The rates at which the plastic accumulated also showed a marked seasonal influence, with the highest rates seen in March and April, during the end of the northwest monsoons. According to the researchers, the findings illustrate the scale of the plastic pollution challenge, and demonstrates the need for a global plastic treaty, that forbids the disposal of fishing gear and plastic waste in the oceans. A large number of bottles with labels from China, Malaysia and Thailand indicate that they were probably discarded by ships. The debris originating from Indonesia would have been at sea for at least six months, and at times, in excess of two years.

Knowing the timings of the accumulation can help plan mitigating efforts, such beach cleanups between May to June that can prevent the plastic from breaking down into smaller pieces and degrading the environment. Lead author of the research, Noam Vogt-Vincent says “We have combined observational data from across the Seychelles with cutting-edge computer simulations to generate the most comprehensive predictions currently available for marine litter dispersal in the region. This will provide vital information for local management on these islands – many of which are global biodiversity hotspots – and to inform national and international responses.”

A paper describing the findings has been published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.

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Published: 23 Jan 2023 16:10:PM

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