Marine debris: A proximate threat to marine sustainability in Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea

Surveys of stranded marine debris around Motupore Island, a small island in Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea, revealed exceptionally high loads (up to 78.3 items m−2), with major concentrations in mangrove-dominated, depositional areas. The worst affected, 50-m stretch of shore was estimated to contain >37.000 items with a combined weight of 889 kg. Consistent with studies elsewhere, plastics comprised by far the majority of debris across all sites (89.7%). The lack of centralised waste collection and limited village-based resources, coupled with an increasing population, suggests that this issue is a long way from solution. High debris loads thwart attempts to rehabilitate depleted mangrove forests through smothering of seedlings, perpetuating run-off and water quality issues in the bay. Addressing marine debris is thus of fundamental importance for the sustainability of Bootless Bay and its resources, and a critical step in promoting ecosystem resilience.

► Intertidal marine debris was evaluated at Motupore Island, Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea. ► Debris loads were some of the highest documented globally to date (up to 78.3 items m−2). ► Almost 90% of items were plastic. ► Marine debris severely hampers local efforts to rehabilitate mangrove habitats. ► Managing marine debris is critical for the long-term sustainability of Bootless Bay.