Floating marine debris in fjords, gulfs and channels of southern Chile.

摘要: Abstract Floating marine debris (FMD) is reported from all oceans. The bulk of FMD are plastics, which due to their longevity cause multiple negative impacts on wildlife and environment. Identifying the origins (land- or sea-based) important take necessary steps diminish abundance. Using ship surveys we examined abundance, composition distribution during years 2002–2005 in fjords, gulfs channels southern Chile. Abundances were relatively high compared with other studies, ranging 1 250 items km−2. majority (∼80%) was composed styrofoam (expanded polystyrene), plastic bags fragments. Styrofoam, intensively used as floatation device by mussel farms, very abundant northern region but rarely occurred study area. Food sacks salmon farms also most common region, where ∼85% total Chilean harvest produced. Plastic bags, could be land- sea-based sources, found throughout entire Our results indicate that activities (mussel farming aquaculture) responsible for In order reduce FMDs environment, addition stronger legislation identification potential suggest environmental education programs encourage public participation (e.g. beach clean-ups).