Analyzing Temporal Variations in Trash Collection in Tobacco Caye, Belize: A Comprehensive Yearly and Monthly Comparison to Uncover Underlying Mechanisms

This study investigates the temporal variations in trash accumulation on Tobacco Caye, Belize, focusing on the impacts of tourism and seasonal weather. The Caribbean Sea, a year-round hotspot for tourism, contributes large amounts of anthropogenic litter to the reef crest, especially during the rainy season, which exacerbates the issue through hurricanes, open-ocean current patterns, and other large water movements. The objective of this research is to assess the volume of trash collected over a four-year period (2019-2023) and determine if the variability in trash deposition aligns with seasonal tourism and severe weather. Data collection involved students conducting litter surveys across two defined zones on the reef crest, with waste trends analyzed by year and by month in 2023. The results show a notable increase in trash accumulation, and a notable correlation between peak trash accumulation and seasons of adverse weather was also found. March yielded the highest total collection, while August had the highest average trash per trip, likely reflecting the influence of both tourism and seasonal currents. This study highlights the urgent need for improved waste management strategies in high-traffic tourist destinations like Belize and the Caribbean Sea. The findings suggest that increased tourism and seasonal weather patterns may contribute to the accumulation of trash, calling for collaborative efforts in waste removal and environmental protection to mitigate the impacts on coral reef ecosystems.