Distribution and sources of macrolitter on the seafloor of Belgian fisheries areas

Marine litter has been recognised as a global environmental concern. Vast quantities of plastic litter enter the ocean (Jambeck et al., 2015; Galgani et al., 2021). Marine litter may cause negative effects to the marine ecosystem as animals may swallow litter or get entangled, which can lead to injuries and even death of individual organisms. Litter may scour or smother the seafloor, which may impact fragile benthic habitats, reduce photosynthesis and prevent the movement of animals, gases and nutrients. Marine litter may also act as a vector for invasive species, transporting non-indigenous o... Mehr ...