Debris is not a cheese: litter in coastal Louisiana
By: Dianne M. Lindstedt and Joseph C. Holmes Jr.
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Abstract
An 18-month study of six Louisiana beaches determined the extent, composition, and possible sources of beach litter. Data showed that from 2590 to 23,154 items may be encountered along any one-mile stretch of Louisiana beach, depending upon location and season, and that densities of litter ranged from 5 to 28 items per 100 m2. Plastics constituted 47% of the total, followed by polystyrene at 16% and glass at 10%. Drink-related items accounted for 40% of the identifiable material; operational wastes, 21%; galley wastes, 15%; personal items, 11%; and fishing items, 6%. Litter laws already exist at state and federal levels. Strict enforcement of Annex V of MARPOL should significantly reduce plastic beach litter. Solutions to beach litter will come from public participation in adopt-a-beach programs and statewide clean-ups and from educational programs focusing on existing laws, proper disposal methods, recycling, and the threat litter poses to wildlife and public health.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Debris is not a cheese: litter in coastal Louisiana |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue | pt2 |
| Year Published | 1989 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Publ by ASCE |
| Publisher location | New York, NY, United States |
| Larger Work Title | Coastal Zone: Proceedings of the Symposium on Coastal and Ocean Management |
| First page | 1297 |
| Last page | 1310 |
| Conference Title | Coastal Zone '89: Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on Coastal and Ocean Management |
| Conference Location | Charleston, SC, USA |
| Conference Date | 11 July 1989 through 14 July 1989 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |