Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Moore, Jon

Abstract

As the global use of non-recyclable materials increases, so does the amount of marine debris; anthropogenic waste found in the ocean, and along the coastline, by land or marine sources. It is known to cause a number of negative impacts throughout the marine ecosystem. In order to better understand how much marine debris is impacting one of the local beaches, this study uses data from Loggerhead Marinelife Center, who have been conducting monthly beach clean-ups since December 2016. When sorting the debris items, each one was sorted into one of eighteen categories. In analyzing the findings, it has been concluded that, out of 3204.52 lbs. of debris, foam pieces account for 29%, while plastic pieces account for 27%. The results of this study can contribute to developing preventative measures that focus on the main source of the issue. This research is ongoing as Loggerhead Marinelife still hosts monthly beach clean-ups.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

25 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00089

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