Characterization of marine litter on the beaches surrounding Marchica Lagoon, Morocco

Abstract

Marchica lagoon, a Ramsar site on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, has emerged as a prominent tourist destination within the Mediterranean region. However, the summer tourism is often accompanied by a rise in waste accumulation, especially on the surrounding beaches. The focus of this study is a detailed analysis of marine litter found on the beaches near Marchica Lagoon, specifically Al Mohandis, Bocana, and Nador Artificial Beach. The data collection for this study was carried out over a three-day period prior to the summer season in June 2023. The methodology adhered to the established protocols of the "Guidance on Monitoring of Marine Litter in European Seas." A total of 731 items of marine debris were collected from these three beaches, with an overall weight of 20395 kg. The composition of the collected debris revealed that polymer materials were the most prevalent, accounting for 81% of the total debris, followed by paper/cardboard (6.3%), metal (6.2%), processed wood (2.9%), glass/ceramics (1.9%), and cloth/textile (1.78%). The analysis indicates that the majority of the marine debris is associated with the activities of beach visitors. It is recommended that public awareness initiatives be implemented and solid waste management practices improved.