Percepción social de la polución marina biótica y abiótica en la costa cantábrica: una aproximación socioambiental

Abstract

The state of marine litter in the coast of Asturias (North Spain) is largely unknown. A study of the marine debris and its social awareness on the region was performed. Marine debris was sampled and classified from 21 beaches along the coast of Asturias to know the quantity and type of materials polluting the zone. Questionnaires (N=214) were performed in 9 beaches to understand the local social perception of this litter and its effect on the environment. The data showed that all beaches had some level of littering but the quantity and materials were different. The questionnaire revealed that marine litter was commonly perceived as a problem for the beaches. However, some differences in the perception of its harmful effect were detected between zones and types of beach. The relationship between litter and invasive species was rarely known by the general population. This knowledge will allow to design sound awareness campaigns to increase citizen’s knowledge about coastal pollution, to diminish litter generation from its source, and hopefully to reduce littering, which is crucial to rid this problem away.