National Marine Fisheries survey of plastic debris on the Malaspina Forelands

Cook, Mary

Describes 1988 plastics pollution survey conducted along the Malaspina Forelands with the National Marine Fisheries. Includes 35 mm slides, data sheets and methods. National Marine Fisheries (NMFS) personnel and Mary Beth Cook (WRST biological technician) conducted a survey of plastic debris along the Malaspina Forelands in 1988. NMFS have conducted plastic debris surveys on coastal beaches in Alaska since 1972 and along Yakutat beaches since 1984. Plastic debris found on beaches and at sea often entangle and endanger marine animals, seabirds, and fish. NMFS felt that data from the Malaspina Forelands beaches would provide valuable information on plastics pollution in the Gulf of Alaska and that WRST could use the data to assess quality of these beaches, potential effects on marine animals, seabirds and fish, and to determine the need for and potential frequency of monitoring. The 1988 survey results indicated far less debris than was expected on the Malaspina Forelands beaches, presumably due to the relatively high number of outwash streams on the Forelands, the severity of winter storms there, and/or differences in ocean currents. The most common debris found in this survey were packing straps, trawl web floats, trawl webs, and gill nets. Considering the low incidence of debris on the Malaspina Forelands beaches, NMFS recommended that WRST monitor these beaches for plastics every three to five years.

National Marine Fisheries survey of plastic debris on the Malaspina Forelands

Collections