Coast & Waterways

Litter deposited in benthic habitats is not well understood as these areas are typically difficult to survey. Through this project OceanWatch trialed methods to monitor benthic litter in a variety of estuarine habitats, and develop a strategic framework for preventing litter in these habitats.

Knowledge of benthic litter, which refers to litter that is deposited on the sea floor, is relatively minimal as benthic habitats are typically difficult to survey. Whilst too often out of sight and out of mind, it can cause serious degradation to the biodiversity, recreational, social, or cultural value of an area. However, approximately 70% of all marine debris is eventually deposited in benthic habitats.

Without insight into benthic litter we lack a robust understanding of the issues plaguing our marine ecosystems, and can offer no targeted method to effectively improve the situation. As such OceanWatch identified a need to better understand this issue and develop strategies to monitor and mitigate benthic litter.

A poster for the 2022 National Landcare Conference by OceanWatch.

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