MARINE DEBRIS CONTAMINATION ALONG UNDEVELOPED TROPICAL BEACHES FROM NORTHEAST BRAZIL

Abstract

We hypothesize that floating debris leaving polluted coastal bays accumulate on nearby pristine beaches. We examined composition, quantities and distribution of marine debris along ~150 km of relatively undeveloped, tropical beaches in Costa do Dende (Bahia, Brazil). Plastics accounted for 76% of the sampled items, followed by styrofoam. Small plastic fragments resultant from the breakdown of larger items are ubiquitous all over the area. Areas immediately south of the major regional embayments (Camamu and Todos os Santos) were the preferential accumulation sites, indicating that rivers draining populous areas are the major source of debris to the study site. Our results provide baseline information for future assessments. Management actions should focus on input prevention at the hydrographic basin level rather than on cleaning services on beaches.