Mapping the seasonality of marine debris waste in a tropical touristic hotspot
摘要
Waste is recognized as a major issue, allied to poor management in coastal cities, and constitutes the major source of marine debris. In tropical areas, where seasons are defined by rainfall regimes, marine debris’ is often related to the increased freshwater flow (rainy season) or higher demographic density (dry season). This exchange suggests that higher human activity would increase waste generation in dry seasons, while off-peak seasons would allow natural processes to disperse the accumulated debris. In this study, we evaluated the seasonality of marine debris coverage in three urban beaches of a coastal tropical touristic hotspot. We used satellite images from three years to calculate relevant indices, specifically adjusted for aquatic areas. Steps were executed to maximize the data accuracy, and the developed code was proven capable of identifying and quantifying the phenomena. Further findings of our study indicated that biogeographical, meteorological, and anthropogenic factors may have concomitant roles in debris accumulation. Understanding the seasonality of marine debris not only contributes to knowledge of pollution dynamics but also supports management strategies and sustainable tourism in tropical regions by promoting cleaner and more attractive tourist havens, boosting the economy, and providing diverse job opportunities.