Pollution

Purpose of the Project

The project aimed to examine several stretches of beach in and around Recherchefjorden by counting, categorizing, analyzing, and removing anthropogenic debris. This effort sought to improve the local environment, reduce survival pressure on wildlife, and develop techniques applicable globally for managing seaborne plastics and other jettisoned materials.

Project Overview

The proliferation of seaborne plastics and other jettisoned materials continues to pose an ever-increasing threat to the lives of marine and terrestrial animals and the environment. The well-established and recorded ocean currents around the Svalbard archipelago result in substantial amounts of sea-borne rubbish ending up in Svalbard waters and upon its shores.

Methodology

1. Site Selection and Examination: Examined several stretches of beach in and around Recherchefjorden, involving:

   • Counting and categorizing anthropogenic debris.

   • Analyzing the collected debris to understand factors affecting its accumulation.

   • Removing the debris to improve the local environment and reduce wildlife survival pressure.

2. Debris Removal and Analysis:

   • Removed collected litter to Longyearbyen for suitable disposal.

   • Analyzed the collected matter to identify its sources and understand its accumulation dynamics.

3. Technique Testing:

   • Tested new techniques for site selection and study, aiming to develop methods applicable on a global scale.

   • Analyzed and identified the collected debris to help pinpoint its likely sources, assisting in future prevention efforts.

     
     

Outcomes

• Environmental Improvement: Enhanced the local environment by removing harmful debris, thereby alleviating some survival pressures on wildlife.

• Data Collection: Provided valuable data on the types and sources of marine litter.

• Global Application: Developed and tested new techniques for managing marine debris, with potential global applications for reducing seaborne plastic pollution.

This project contributed to the broader effort of understanding and mitigating the impact of marine debris on the environment and wildlife, while also developing practical methods for future use in similar contexts around the world.