Marine Debris Characterization in Salt Marsh and
Submerged Habitats in Coastal North Carolina
Atlantic; 2008
Background | Partners | Benefits of the Project | Photos and Map | 1-pager
Background
In North Carolina coastal waters, intertidal salt marshes and subtidal rock ledges, wrecks, and jetties provide important habitat and nursery areas for many commercially and recreationally important fish species. The extent to which these habitats are exposed to marine debris has not been previously characterized, but coastal development and fishing pressures continue to increase.
This project investigates the current spatial and temporal distribution of marine debris, accumulation rates, and environmental impacts in coastal salt marshes and subtidal habitats near Beaufort, NC using surveys, mapping, and collections. Initial results show that debris types reflect human uses. Derelict monofilament from hook and line fishing and anchors and line from boating have been found in many subtidal sites at various depths. Commercial derelict fishing gear (e.g. pound nets and poles, clam nets, crab traps) has been documented at marsh sites near commercial fishing areas, whereas marsh sites near residential areas have shown larger amounts of wood used in construct on (e.g. docks, boardwalks), plastic and other debris reflective of recreational use.
Manipulative experiments to determine the effects of debris upon salt marsh communities are in progress. In addition, the perceptions of both recreational users of the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve and of commercial fishermen regarding marine debris causes, environmental impacts, and suggestions for methods for reduction will be surveyed using specifically designed social science surveys.
Partners
- Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve
- NOAA Coastal Services Center
- Washington College
- University of Northern British Columbia
Benefits of the Project
- Assessment of marine debris spatial and temporal distribution, accumulation, and impacts to coastal salt marshes and to subtidal hardbottom, ledges, jetties, and wrecks of North Carolina
- Contribute data to assist in current and future management decisions in marshes and subtidal habitats
- Increased public awareness of marine debris
Photos and Map
Map of subtidal and salt marsh survey sites in coastal North Carolina. Map courtesy of S. Viehman, NOAA NCCOS.
Removing derelict line from an underwater site. Photo courtesy of B.
Harrison.
Monofilament line is reported regularly by scuba divers visiting Stetson Bank. Photo courtesy of S. Viehman, NOAA NCCOS.
1-pager
Download the 1-pager handout (pdf 367KB) on this project here.
This program is funded through NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response & Restoration, Marine Debris Program.
