Assessing Marine Litter on beaches and the seafloor in the Saronikos Gulf, Greece

Marine litter is a pressing environmental issue that requires urgent attention from international and local authorities. The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive emphasizes the need to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in European marine waters by 2020, with a specific focus on marine litter. This study focuses on the Saronikos Gulf, a highly polluted area in the Mediterranean, to assess the abundance, composition, distribution, and possible sources of marine litter. Data were collected from various sources, including databases, published studies, and fieldwork. The study analyzed both stranded litter on beaches and litter on the seafloor to provide a comprehensive understanding of pollution in the area. Results revealed a high prevalence of plastic litter on beaches, particularly polystyrene pieces and cigarette butts. Litter density varied across locations, with higher concentrations in the western part of the gulf. The cleanliness index classified most beaches as having "very low cleanliness." On the seafloor, plastic and metal were the most common types of litter, with litter density decreasing with increasing depth. This study contributes valuable insights into the extent and characteristics of litter pollution in the Saronikos Gulf, aiding in the development of targeted solutions for its management and conservation.