Chapter 1 The Study

1 The Study

1.1 Introduction

More and more people are moving near the coasts and the production of

trash and wastes continues to increase. Unless we better control the disposal

of trash and wastes, the amount of marine debris entering our marine

environment will increase. Marine debris on beaches, shoreline and in ocean

is considered an eyesore and degrades coastal aesthetics (USEPA, 2002).

However, such materials can also have serious impact on human health and

safety (Williams et al.,No date), wildlife by entanglement and ingestion (Laist,

1987;Sazima et al., 2002 cited in Marinez-Ribes et al., 2007), the aquatic

environment, and the economy example economic loss to fisheries and also

loss to tourism ( Williams et al.,No date ) and therefore the problem of marine

debris should be addressed (USEPA, 2002).

The most abundant type of marine debris usually found along the shore is a

slowly degrading material such as plastics ( e.g. Moore, 2001; Liebezet, 2008;

Orale , 2009). Plastics are synthetic polymers that are harmful to the marine

environment ( Derraik, 2002).

Many studies have quantified marine debris collected on beaches ( Moore

et.al, 2001; Convey et. Al, 2002; Liebezeit, 2008 ; Martinez-Ribes et.al,

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2007 ). However few studies have quantified marine debris in the Philippines (

e.g Orale’ 2009). Here we present the first study to quantitatively assess the

types and amounts of marine debris along the coast of Cebu South Coastal

Road and on the beaches of Talisay, Cebu, with the secondary objective of

determining its possible sources by the use of indicator items (e.g. Ribic,

1998).

1.2 Rationale, Significance or Need of the Study

This study will be a significant endeavour in providing information on the

types, quantities and possible sources of marine debris along Cebu South

Coastal Road and along the beaches of Talisay City, Cebu. This study will

also be beneficial to the local authorities, managers and stockholders who

have environmental concerns and who perceived marine debris as

environmental problems. By having the information on the nature, abundance

and sources of marine debris they can prevent or minimized marine debris

entering in the marine environment.

Moreover, this study will also serve as a future reference for researches on

the subject coastal environment. And most importantly this study will provide

preliminary data for the marine debris present in the area.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

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It is a common idea that marine debris consists of just a few pieces of rubbish

floating on the coastal ocean surface, debris that is stranded on the shoreline

or debris that is present on the seafloor and cannot harm anyone.” Marine

debris has become a pervasive pollution problem affecting all the world’s

oceans. It is known to be the cause of injuries and deaths of numerous

marine animals and birds, either because they become entangled in it or they

mistake it for prey and eat it.” ( Allsopp et. Al, No date). Presence of marine

debris along Cebu South Coastal Road and Tangke, Talisay, Cebu is found.

However, no studies have been made on the quantitative assessment of

marine debris in this area. The questions that the researcher addresses here

are: a) what are the types of marine debris stranded along Cebu South

Coastal Road and along the beaches of Talisay, Cebu ? b.) what is the

amount of marine debris present in the area? c.) what are the possible

sources of the collected marine debris?

1.4 General and Specific Objectives

The general objective of this study is to determine the nature, abundance,

and possible origin of marine debris along the Cebu South Coastal Road and

along the selected beaches of Talisay, Cebu.

Specific goals of the study include:

1. Documentation of existing marine debris abundance along the Cebu

South Coastal Road and along the beaches of Tangke, Talisay, Cebu.

2. Quantification of the relative contribution of various types of debris

present in the area.

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3. Investigation of the possible sources of debris.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study is employed in assessing the type, amount, and possible sources

of marine debris that collects along Cebu South Coastal Road and along the

shoreline of Talisay City, Cebu by using appropriate survey methods in

collecting the data. The study does not analyse the transportation of debris by

currents, waves and wind action ( Martinez-Ribes et Al, 2007).This study

does not also determine the accumulation rate of marine debris that is

stranded in the area since this study is only limited to one (1) month

collection of data.

1.6 Definition of Terms

For clearer understanding of the terms used in the study, below are their

meanings :

Marine Debris - “Any persistent solid material that is manufactured or

processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed

of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes “ (Arthur

et.al, 2008)

Floatable Debris –

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Entanglement

Ingestion

1.7 Research Area