Comparative assessment of fishing related debris in selected high and low fishing intensity beaches of Kerala coast

Abstract

Marine debris, a sizeable contributor of marine pollutants, is being widely recognized as a global concern due to its adverse impacts on environment and economy. Many studies have been conducted to quantify debris on the beaches including beaches of Kerala coast. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of fishing industry in the marine debris. This preliminary study involved collecting, sorting and quantifying various debris in high and low fishing intensity beaches in north, central and south Kerala. The beach litter survey was conducted between April 2017 and May 2017, in six beaches along the waterline as prescribed by the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Of these six beaches, in Malipuram, Thanur and Vizhinjam, fishing activity is high while in Kuzhippily, Kappad and Eravipuram beaches, fishing activity is low. The incidence of total marine debris, plastic debris and fishing related debris in both types of beaches was compared. Major fishing related debris encountered were netting, rope, float, bouy, thermocol and fishing line. The results indicated that there was considerable abundance of fishing related debris in beaches where more fishing crafts are operated compared to the beaches where less number of fishing crafts operated. On an average the weight of fishing related debris in the high fishing intensity beaches was about 34 plus or minus 16 kilogram per 100 m while that of low fishing intensity beaches was 5 plus or minus kilogram per 100 m. Similarly, the average number of fishing related debris in the high fishing intensity beaches came to about 668 plus or minus 375 items per 100 m while that of low fishing intensity beaches was 256 plus or minus 214 items per 100 m. These results reinforce the view that fishing industry contributes a considerable share in marine debris problem. Monitoring more areas for considerably longer duration is to be undertaken for accurate quantification of available debris and to design possible ways to reduce contribution of fishing industry to marine debris.