Distribution of Floating Marine Meso‐ and Macro‐Litter Using an Improvised Low‐Technology Aquatic Debris Instrument

ABSTRACT Floating marine litter has a severe impact on major coastal ecosystems, including the bay areas of San Fernando City, La Union. Hence, a 3‐day intensive sampling was conducted along the Lingsat Marine Protected Area (LMPA) and Dalumpinas Oeste, a nonmarine protected area, to compare the distribution of floating marine meso‐ and macro‐litter for the first time. The floating litter densities between the two sites were also assessed and compared by developing a modified prototype of the Low‐Tech Aquatic Debris Instrument (LADI) suggested by the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action and Research (CLEAR). For both sites, plastic was the predominant type of litter. Floating marine litter in LMPA was dominated by macro‐litter. In Dalumpinas Oeste, a total of 277 pieces were found, which is not significantly lower than the 604 pieces found in LMPA ( p = 0.161). Similarly, the floating litter densities between the two sampling sites ( p = 0.412) showed no statistical difference, indicating that, regardless of protection, relatively similar floating marine litter can be taken up in both nearby areas. These results now suggest an urgent need to review the current measures taken by LMPA.