IMDOS is pleased to share a new expert perspective paper on seafloor macrolitter— “Out of sight, but not out of mind: Key issues regarding seafloor macrolitter monitoring”. By two of our Steering Committee members – Georg Hanke, Ryota Nakajima and Artur Palacz. The paper synthesizes current knowledge and sets out practical recommendations toward a globally harmonised monitoring system for litter on the seafloor—one of the ocean’s major sinks.
The paper calls for standardised, non-destructive methods, consistent metadata and QA/QC, and interoperable data management to enable comparable trend assessments across regions. It also emphasises the value of both legacy and new imagery to establish baselines and track change, and the importance of training and capacity building to scale efforts globally.
This contribution provides timely input to IMDOS work on method harmonisation and indicator development. Read the paper here.
AbstractFollowing a number of meetings devoted to knowledge sharing, identification of key issues, and discussing the best ways to move forward, a wide international expert community is now able to provide recommendations regarding the monitoring of seafloor macrolitter through observation and imaging. As the seafloor constitutes a major sink for marine litter including plastics, it is important to acquire robust and extensive data on litter distribution, abundance, types and size ranges across marine habitats. This should be done through widely agreed, harmonised, and non-destructive methods encompassing advanced technologies. Training and capacity building are essential elements in this endeavour. Both new and legacy imagery are needed to establish baseline assessments and trends. Informing policy-making is indispensable for effective action through upstream and targeted measures, with seafloor macrolitter (and megalitter) being a vital part of the evidence base for global mitigation measures.