Full Length Research Paper

Marine litter transportation and composition in the Coastal Southern Black Sea Region

Abdulaziz Guneroglu

Department of Maritime Transportation and Management, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Karadeniz University of Technology, 61600, Trabzon, Turkey.

E-mail: guneroglu@ktu.edu.tr.  Tel: +90 462. Fax: +90 462.

Accepted 13 January, 2010

   Abstract

Marine litter problem has gained great attetion in regional seas and lead to degredation and threaten aquatic life in marine environment. Coastal marine litter in the Black Sea is mainly caused by transportation and deposition of antropogenic waste resulting from river outflows. Measures and regulations remain inadequate to protect the coastal regions against pollution in the region. Geomorphology of the region creates many watersheds supplied by extensive stream networks. To estimate litter load on the Black Sea coastal areas 15 streams were surveyed. Study area is densely populated coastal region with scattered settlemets toward steep higher areas. Dry solid waste load is triggered by settlement plan and leads to accumulation of marine litter in coastal areas. Regional precipitation characteristic of the region determines flood timing and frequency with very high rainfall records. Composition and distrubution of sampled marine litter is carried out by identifying litter type propotionality to total load. Plastic has the highest ratio of 56% among all litter type. Yearly total litter load for Degirmendere stream is estimated 102.25 m³/year for 100 ha. Multispectral satellite images are used to asses transportation of floating or drifting litter from coastal areas to inner basin. Man made alterations of coastal areas are also evaluated in terms of aquatic living resources and pollution. Main problems are stressed and possible solutions and implications are given to reduce pollution problem in coastal areas.

Key words: Marine litter, Black Sea, satellite remote sensing.