Composition and Distribution of Marine Debris during the Transition Season in Bojong Salawe, Pangandaran Regency, West Java, Indonesia

This study was conducted to determine the composition and distribution of marine debris during the transition season and the factors influencing the distribution of marine debris. The research was conducted in September 2024 at Pangandaran Bojong Salawe Beach, Pangandaran Regency. The results showed that the total waste collected reached 68.056 kg, with plastic waste being the largest contributor at 35.045 kg (51.5%), followed by wood waste at 21,964 kg (32.3%), and other types of waste, such as rubber (2,759 kg or 4.1%), styrofoam (3,395 kg or 5%), and other organic waste (1,990 kg). This shows that plastic dominates pollution in the region, in line with global trends that indicate plastic as one of the main environmental problems. Bathymetry, wind direction, tidal fluctuations, wave height, and the speed and direction of ocean currents are physical factors that play an important role as distribution channels and collection points for marine debris in the Pangandaran coastal area. In addition to physical factors, population and tourist visitation act as point sources, while waste production is the total volume available to pollute the environment. These three non-physical factors work synergistically; population growth in coastal areas and high tourist visitation in areas with high waste production without proper and sustainable management will lead to massive and uncontrolled accumulation of marine debris.