Marine Debris on New Zealand Beaches - Baseline Data to Evaluate Regional Variances

Introduction

Globally, about 80% of anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is derived from land-based sources (Derraik, 2002; Sheavly and Register, 2007); a large proportion of which results from mismanaged terrestrial waste (Barnes et al., 2009; Jambeck et al., 2015; Lau et al., 2020). Coastal marine environments are a known accumulation zone for AMD (Galgani et al., 2015; Sherman and Sebille, 2016), and beach surveys are an often-applied tool to better understand the scope and current nature of the problem of AMD (Slavin et al., 2012; Jang et al., 2018). Most coastal AMD studies occur on sandy beaches (Browne et al., 2015; Serra-Gonçalves et al., 2019) due to easy access and generally require no specialized equipment (GESAMP, 2019). In addition to obtaining scientific data, beach surveys are also performed by volunteers (citizen scientists) to support scientists, raise public awareness, and as education and community outreach programs (Ribic et al., 2010; Hidalgo-Ruz and Thiel, 2015; Murray et al., 2018). There are many different methods to obtain data and/or measure the spatial and temporal distribution of debris (Velander and Mocogni, 1999; Browne et al., 2015; GESAMP, 2019), and many variations exist.

Such variations occur, for example, in measurement units (e.g., transect, quadrant, line), placement of sampling unit (horizontally or vertically relating to the waterline), location of sampling unit on the beach (anywhere between the waterline and into the backshore), sample replication, and reporting units (e.g., total item count, litter density (Kordella et al., 2013; Kaladharan et al., 2017; Rangel-Buitrago et al., 2017; Schmuck et al., 2017). Due to these differences, results are often not comparable, rendering an evaluation and comparison of associated mitigation actions at a regional, national, or global scale challenging (Serra-Gonçalves et al., 2019).

Debris studies often classify the origin of AMD either from ocean-based, land-based, or unknown sources (e.g., Coe and Rogers 1997; Sheavly and Register 2007) or through a likely origin (Whiting, 1998; Tudor and Williams, 2004; Pieper et al., 2019; Verlis and Wilson, 2020). However, in New Zealand (NZ), it is not always clear whether the origin of an item is freshwater or ocean. Land-based sourced items can have multiple pathways: entering the aquatic environment through stormwater drains, lakes and waterways, washed or blown out onto the beaches and into the ocean (McCormick and Hoellein, 2016; Boucher and Friot, 2017; Lebreton et al., 2017). Hence, most debris in the marine environment may have had a land origin.

In NZ, boundaries of regional management areas are roughly based on catchment areas. The respective administrative agencies, “Regional Authorities”, are responsible for, amongst others, the region’s environmental management. The underlying local municipalities, “Territorial Authorities”, are among other things, responsible for waste management and the control of the effects of land use. In 2017, the year of this study, NZ was estimated to have produced 740.3 kg of waste per capita, 218.7 kg more (per capita) than the average (521.6 kg) of all other OECD countries combined (OECD, 2021). Furthermore, waste creation in NZ continued to increase, as evidenced by the 2018 per capita amount of 781.1 kg versus a 538.3 kg average of all OECD countries. The NZ waste and recycling industry is listed as one of the least efficient of all developed countries (Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata, 2012; OECD, 2017). All of NZ’s residual waste goes to landfills, creating an increased potential for waste loss to the (marine) environment (Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, 2019). One example of such waste loss is the Fox Glacier landfill (SI) rupture in 2019, which released decades of previously landfilled household rubbish onto 1,313 ha of sensitive riverbeds and banks, and 64 km of coastline (Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor 2019, page 194).

Previous NZ studies measured marine debris on beaches in the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island (NI) (Campbell et al., 2017), from the coasts of the Canterbury region on the South Island (SI) (Clunies-Ross et al., 2016), and around Auckland (NI; Bridson et al., 2020). Earlier beach surveys were decades old (Gregory, 1978), and all studies were localized. Currently, no nationwide research study of AMD exists that contemporaneously covers both the NI and SI beaches. Hence, it is difficult to accurately determine the national status of AMD and its environmental effects and relationship to local or national mitigation actions to reduce waste loss to the marine environment. Understanding the actual AMD problem across both islands and the relevant management areas is an important gap to fill. Therefore, this study aims to understand further the scale and composition of AMD loads at a local, regional, and national level. A second aim is to develop a baseline of AMD on NZ beaches against which future changes in AMD can be measured and the efficacy of mitigating actions assessed. The three research questions supporting these goals are:

• What is the distribution of AMD on NZ beaches by count, weight, type, and source?

• Are there significant differences in the results of the AMD distribution by island (north versus south)?

• How is AMD geographically distributed across regional management scales?

Materials and Methods

Regions and Sample Sites

The human population is unevenly distributed over the islands, with the NI and SI having 3,642,900 and 1,149,576 inhabitants, respectively (Stats, 2019). NZ is an archipelago bordered by the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean with approximately 18,200 km of shoreline (Hutching, 1998). A subtropical, southern current flows along the NI’s east coast that joins the northern current by the East Cape (NI) (Chiswell et al., 2015). The SI has sub-Antarctic surface water moving northwards along the east coast (Hayward et al., 2003). Between Gisborne (NI) and Otago (SI), waves usually arrive from the south and east (NIWA, 2017). The daily changing weather is a result of weather systems, the maritime position, and orography, causing predominantly westerly winds and an average annual rainfall of 800 – 1,500 mm y^-1 (Pickrill and Mitchell, 1979; Tomlinson, 1992).

Study sites were predetermined based on a stratified random sampling design. The sampling frame spanned the east coasts of both islands, starting at the top of the NI (34.4°S) to the bottom of the SI (46.5°S). Three random numbers were generated per latitude to select a location from where the nearest sampling site was determined. From this random starting point, the coastline was followed to the right (when facing the water), until the following criteria were met for a site:

 1) East-facing (when facing the water, compass direction was either NE, E, or SE)

 2) Length was > 1 km

 3) Faced open ocean

 4) Away from (> 500 m) obstructions (such as headlands, breakwaters, jetties)

 5) Accessible from the land through public roads

These site criteria were applied to reduce potential confounding factors such as fluctuations in oceanic and climatic influences or localized effects (e.g. urban marine structures; Campbell et al., (2017). Furthermore, a large part of the SI’s west coast is inaccessible from land.

Forty-one beaches (20 on the NI and 21 on the SI) were surveyed between latitudes 34.7°S and 46.3°S, covering a total of 11.6° in latitude (Figure 1). Study sites covered 11 of NZ’s 16 regions (8 on NI and 3 on SI), with the remaining regions not sampled because they did not border the east coast. One exception was Southland, which was excluded because of random sampling and the criteria (i.e., east facing). Sites were distributed over 25 out of 66 territorial authorities (14 on the NI and 11 on the SI).

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 1. New Zealand Beaches Sampled for Anthropogenic Marine Debris (> 2 mm) (Spring 2017).

Sampling Method

A one-time-only, standing stock survey at each beach provided a temporal snapshot of the AMD distribution by count, weight, type, and source. We note that standing stock surveys are subject to limitations in comparison to an accumulation study (Smith and Markic, 2013; Ryan et al., 2014). In addition, sampling occurred during the austral spring (between 28th September and November 3, 2017) to avoid localized effects of the busier (with tourists) austral summer and autumn seasons.

The adapted research method was based on Cheshire et al. (2009) and sampled the highest visible wrack line using triplicate belt transects (10 m long by 2 m wide). Instead of sampling the entire beach surface between the waterline and backshore, the wrack line was selected, as it can be sampled irrespective of tides and is a known accumulation zone of AMD (Velander and Mocogni, 1999). In addition, prior studies indicate that AMD is rarely detected between the waterline and wrack line (Williams and Tudor, 2001; Hidalgo-Ruz et al., 2018), and the wrack line was, therefore, our focus to determine the AMD standing stock.

A starting point at the beach was placed 50 strides (about 1 m each) to the left (when facing the water). Randomly generated distances (between 21 and 40 strides) determined the distance of the starting point for each belt transect. A 10 m long tape measure was placed on the middle of the wrack line, and 1 m on each side of the tape was examined (creating a 2 m wide transect). All visible items (> 2 mm) from the surface of each transect were collected by a visual survey without raking or digging. Items were bagged and labeled after which the (detangled) debris was counted, weighed, and classified based on the type of material (plastic, foamed plastic, rubber, metal, glass and ceramic, cloth, paper and cardboard, wood, and other) (Cheshire et al., 2009). Large items (> 1 m) were counted but not weighed. Other variables recorded during sampling included the gradient of the beach, substrate, backshore type, beach shape, aspect, wind speed, wind direction, number of people on the beach, number of rubbish bins, and number of parking spaces (adapted from Lippiatt et al., 2013; Schuyler et al., 2018).

In this study, a subjective distinction between the source of an item was based on visual evidence of an item having been in water (whether the ocean or freshwater) and will hereafter be called “waterborne”. Debris characteristics indicating a waterborne source include:

• A weathered appearance-porous look/feel, faded colors, bite marks, smoothened edges.

• Items from a foreign source that are typically not sold in NZ.

• The presence of biofouling, entanglement in other marine organisms.

In contrast, “land-based” items lacked a weathered appearance (were pristine and intact) and lacked biofouling. If a decision on origin could not be determined, then the item was labeled “unknown”.

Analysis

Differences between AMD distribution by island (north versus south) were calculated through mean density and weight and were analyzed with Welch’s t-test (Welch, 1947). This adaptation of the Student’s t-test is better suited for testing the means of two populations with unequal variances (Ruxton, 2006). Results are given in t_{[degrees of freedom]} = t, p (T ≤ t).

Significant differences in AMD composition and sources between islands were determined using Pearson’s Chi-Square test of independence (Pearson, 1900). Results are reported with (degrees of freedom and sample size) the Pearson chi-square value and the significance level. All statistical tests were performed in Microsoft Excel^TM (version 2105) with a significance level of 0.05.

Mean densities and weights for each region were calculated and reported as Mean ± SE items m^-2 and g m^-2, respectively, to determine distribution at a regional scale. AMD composition was compared at a regional level by percentages of types by count density. The resulting exploratory data is represented in a graph illustrating beach numbers from north to south (increasing latitudes, with no overlapping longitudes).

Results

Baseline AMD Beach Data on Density, Mass, Composition, and Source

The mean AMD density detected across 41 beaches on both islands of NZ ranged from zero to 0.82 items m^-2 per beach, with an overall mean of 0.16 ± 0.02 items m^-2. Overall, the highest AMD density was detected at Karitane Beach (site 37, SI, Figure 2A) with 0.82 ± 0.02 items m^-2, more than five times the national mean. In contrast, three beaches [sites 6 (NI), 24 and 26 (SI)] had zero items >2 mm recorded (Figure 2B).

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 2. Mean Anthropogenic Marine Debris (> 2 mm) Across New Zealand Beaches by (A) Density (± SE), and (B) Weight (± SE); and Across Islands by (C) Density (± SE), and (D) Weight (± SE).

The mean weight of AMD items ranged from zero to 83.38 g m^-2 per beach, with an overall mean AMD weight of 9.17 ± 2.91 g m^-2 per beach. Overall, the highest AMD weight was detected at Ashworths Beach (site 28, SI) with 83.38 ± 80.82 g m^-2, more than nine times the national mean. In contrast, six beaches [sites 2, 6, 14 (NI) and 22, 24, 26 (SI)] recorded no AMD weight, albeit three of those did record items by count, but their weight was < 1 gr.

By count, the most prevalent type of AMD was plastic (n = 261 items), followed by foamed plastic (n = 44 items), metal (n = 41 items), wood (n = 19 items), glass and ceramic (n = 9 items), cloth (n = 7 items), rubber (n = 6 items), other (n = 2 items), and paper and cardboard (n = 1 item).

By weight, the most prevalent type of AMD was metal (6739 g), followed by wood (6723 g), rubber (4011 g), plastic (2513 g), cloth (1416 g), glass and ceramic (1154 g), paper and cardboard (6 g), other (6 g), and foamed plastic (0 g). Of the 399 AMD items (including large items) detected, 306 (77%) were waterborne, 56 (14%) were land-based, and 37 items (9%) had an unknown source.

Differences Between North and South Island

When comparing the islands by AMD density, there was a significant difference between the amount (number of items) of AMD detected, between the NI and SI (t_[23] = -2.60; p < .02) (Figure 2C). There was a higher mean density of AMD items on the SI (M = 0.24 ± 0.05 m^-2) than the NI (M = 0.09 ± 0.02 m^-2). Similarly, the mean weight of AMD differed significantly between islands (t_[22] = -2.05; p = 0.05), with significantly higher mean AMD weight on the SI (M = 15.18 ± 5.52 g m^-2) compared to the NI (M = 3.45 ± 1.50 g m^-2) (Figure 2D).

The composition of AMD, however, was similar between islands (χ² (3, N = 399) = 6.13, p < 11). These results were based upon comparing four AMD types only (i.e., plastic, foamed plastic, metal, and wood) due to a lack of sufficient count data in the other categories. Overall, the sources of the AMD found between the islands were significantly different (χ² (2, N = 399) = 23.03, p < .01); NI and SI showed a similar proportion of waterborne items (74 and 78%, respectively). The NI had more land-based items than the SI, with 26 and 9%, respectively. The SI showed 13% of unknown items, of which the NI had none.

Comparison of Debris by Regional Management Level

The Otago region (SI) had the highest mean density of AMD (M = 0.36 ± 0.06 m^-2), and the Waikato region (NI) had the least mean density (M = 0.02 ± 0.02 m^-2) (Figure 3A). The Otago region also had the highest mean weight (M = 17.45 ± 9.28 g m^-2), and the Auckland region (NI) the least mean weight (M = 0.57 ± 0.47 g m^-2) (Figure 3B).

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 3. New Zealand Beach Anthropogenic Marine Debris (> 2 mm) per Region (Number of Beaches) in Spring 2017 by (A) Mean Density (± SE) and (B) Mean Weight (± SE).

The Waikato region (NI) stood out as only one AMD category (glass and ceramic) was detected here by count (n = 2). When considering the weight of AMD categories, metal debris was not found on a substantial scale in the four most northern regions (Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty), which was otherwise detected in significant amounts (>1 g) in all other regions.

Discussion

The etiology of beached AMD results from multiple and often interwoven factors (Hardesty et al., 2017; Willis et al., 2018; Schuyler et al., 2021). This study contributes to the understanding of AMD on NZ beaches by providing a first national baseline. We found that on NZ beaches, population density does not explain variations in AMD between islands and regions.

Patterns of AMD Distribution

This study showed a similar mean AMD density to a prior NZ study on 27 beaches in one region (Waikato, NI), however, measurements were made on sample sites with a different aspect, smaller size, and on a different part of the beach (Campbell et al., 2017). Other NZ debris studies have reported results in different units and measured fewer beaches, making comparisons challenging (Gregory, 1999; Hayward, 1984, 1999). When comparing to standing stock studies of more than 20 beaches in other locations, the overall mean density as determined in this study is similar to results from Australia, but less than surveys from Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Portugal (Azores) (Table 1). Although these studies did report results in an equivalent format (items m^-2), not all studies measured the same part of the beach, thus making results incomparable. Specifically, the studies in Australia, Turkey, and the Azores, measured from the waterline into the backshore, whereas in Sri Lanka, quadrats were used with an unknown location on the beach (Aydin et al., 2016; Hardesty et al., 2017; Jang et al., 2018; Ríos et al., 2018). To address this universal challenge of incomparable results of beach surveys, international recommendations to harmonize beach study methods have been made (GESAMP, 2019).

TABLE 1

TABLE 1. New Zealand Beach Debris Density Results from This Study (Spring 2017; numbers in bold) Compared With Other Multi Regional Studies.

Studies from Malaysia and Japan show that the types of recreational activities performed on a beach may cause a similar amount of litter to become buried in the top layer of the beach sediment (Fauziah et al., 2015) as observed on the surface (Kusui and Noda, 2003). Moreover, on a remote Pacific Island, up to 68% of AMD items were found buried (Lavers and Bond, 2017), leading some to conclude that all AMD surveys should include measurement of items buried in the top layer (5 cm) of the beach (Serra-Gonçalves et al., 2019). In the present study, the sand was not raked nor sieved. Thus, it is likely that the actual density of AMD is higher than is represented in the results.

While debris count and weight on the SI were significantly higher, they also showed greater variation in density, weight, and material type. We did not detect a significant difference in the composition of AMD between the islands, but the SI had two additional types of debris: rubber and cloth. The overall proportion of plastics by count in this study is similar to other studies both in NZ and in Australia (Campbell et al., 2017; Hardesty et al., 2017), and plastic debris was present on all beaches where AMD was detected. Whereas the proportion of waterborne sources of AMD were comparable between the NI and SI, the NI had more land-based sources and AMD with an unknown source was only found on the SI.

Some variations between the islands and regions might be because the SI has more rivers discharging on the east coast as these are known pathways for land-based AMD (Lebreton et al., 2017; Schmidt et al., 2017; Meijer et al., 2021). Alternatively, variations could be related to circulation and currents in coastal waters, and AMD washing on and off the beach (Nagelkerken et al., 2001; Critchell and Lambrechts, 2016). The difference in currents and wind waves between the islands (Chiswell et al., 2015) may also result in mixed effects on the different types and sources of materials (Pieper et al., 2015). The circulation and currents in coastal waters which cause AMD to wash on and off the beach (Nagelkerken et al., 2001; Critchell and Lambrechts, 2016), also suggests a correlated abundance between certain types of AMD found on the beach and in the adjacent coastal waters (Thiel et al., 2013). On the beach, AMD can be buried and exhumed based on geophysical and environmental factors (Orr et al., 2005; Thiel et al., 2013), including tidal cycles and wind waves (Orr et al., 2005). Together, such variables cause AMD to move constantly, creating variability based on the specific local environmental circumstances at a particular time.

Regional Variations

This study did not find a relation of AMD density with population density as the highest mean density and weight was found in a region (Otago, SI) with a population of 239,313 (Stats, 2019) (Figure 3). In contrast, the most populated region (Auckland, NI) with a population of 1,590,261, showed the least AMD by weight and the lowest mean density by count was in a region (Waikato, NI) with a population of 466,110 (Stats, 2019). Waikato beaches are popular tourist destinations with many holiday homes close to the beach. Studies in Australia and Easter Island (Chile) showed less debris at beaches in proximity (< 5 km) to homes (Hardesty et al., 2017; Kiessling et al., 2017), perhaps a result of local stewardship. It is likely that debris on those beaches, specifically when frequented by tourists, are cleaned up more regularly than others (e.g., in Israel; Pasternak et al., 2017).

Similar to the differences between the islands, the contrast between the three regions on the SI (Figure 3) might also be due to geophysical and oceanic factors. Marlborough is located on the Northern part of the South Island, and its coast is exposed to different current and wind wave patterns. Marlborough is also located further away from (larger) watersheds, possibly being less affected by waterborne sources. Alternatively, the large proportion of rubber, cloth, and wood in Canterbury might be partially explained by local use factors, as beaches in Canterbury had more vehicles and horses on the beach than the other regions at the time of sampling.

A better understanding, of the combined reasons for the regional variations in AMD density, weight, composition, and source, is needed to develop tailored mitigative action. Therefore, the establishment of monitoring programs is critical to facilitate the understanding of variability in AMD (Schuyler et al., 2021). Since the conclusion of this baseline study, a nationwide citizen science beach monitoring project has started collecting seasonal AMD data on more than 100 NZ beaches¹. The data collection is based on similar categorizations as this study and is according to international guidelines on the monitoring and assessment of litter in the ocean (GESAMP 2019), rendering future comparisons feasible. Based on the results of this study, we recommend measuring the effects of beach cleaning, watersheds, buried debris, ocean currents, and the type of activity on the beach.

In a meta-analysis of studies in the Southern Hemisphere, Barnes (2005) found that AMD density diminished on a latitudinal gradient from the equator towards the pole, with higher concentrations of AMD at the equator. Based on a review of 47 studies, this trend was explained by population density, which reduced further away from the equator (Barnes, 2005). Other studies have also shown that the proximity of population centers can result in higher debris loads on beaches (Santos et al., 2005), with even further intensification as the population density increases (Araújo et al., 2018). However, other studies show that the vicinity to population on increased AMD densities is not universally evident (Martinez-Ribes et al., 2007; Ribic et al., 2010; Lavers and Bond, 2017). Similarly, a comparison of AMD data from seven countries, although not all in the Southern Hemisphere, found that the determining drivers for AMD variability did not include population density (Schuyler et al., 2021). The results presented here, albeit on a subset of latitudes, also contradict Barnes findings by showing increasing AMD densities in higher latitudes with less population (SI). Thus, AMD density on NZ beaches cannot be explained by latitude nor population density.

Conclusion

A comprehensive and reproducible (standing crop) survey of AMD on beaches along the east coast of NZ provided a robust and reproducible baseline. This study indicated a substantial spatial variation in AMD density, mass, and source with a concomitant variation per island and region, requiring targeted mitigation efforts. Both AMD density and weight were significantly higher on the SI than on the more densely populated NI, showing increasing AMD densities with increasing latitudes. Debris on the NI showed significantly more land-based sources and the SI, more unknown sources, possibly resulting from inland sources through freshwater inputs. Further research explaining regional variances is needed and we recommend adding in monitoring the effects of beach cleaning, ocean currents, buried debris, watersheds, and type of activity on the beach. These results can be used as an evidence base for mitigative actions and can be compared against similar research in the future (e.g., NZ’s west coast and other countries).

Data Availability Statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Author Contributions

EV, MC, and CH contributed to the conception and design of this study. EV collected the data, prepared figures, and wrote the manuscript. EV, MC, and CH analysed the data and all authors reviewed the manuscript.

Funding

This work was made possible through a University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship and the Faculty of Science and Engineering Student Trust Fund (2017).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Acknowledgments

We thank Charlie Watt for his assistance during the fieldwork.

Abbreviations

AMD, Anthropogenic Marine Debris; NZ, New Zealand; NI, North Island; SI, South Island.

Footnotes

¹https://litterintelligence.org/

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