Abstract
Purchase PDF (262 K)
E-mail Article
Add to my Quick Links
Cited By in Scopus (8)
Purchase PDF (323 K)
doi:10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00175-7 
Copyright © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Distribution of Anthropogenic and Natural Debris on the Mainland Shelf of the Southern California Bight
Available online 2 February 2000.
References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article.
Abstract
Various studies have been conducted to quantify debris found along beaches; however, little information has been compiled about debris found on the seafloor. This study describes the distribution, types, and amounts of marine debris found in the Southern California Bight (SCB) in July and August of 1994. Anthropogenic debris was most common in the central region, on the outer shelf, and in areas near publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). Fishing gear was the most common type of anthropogenic debris in the central region and in the outer shelf zone, whereas glass bottles and plastic were most common in POTW areas. Natural debris was more common close to shore in the inner shelf zone than anthropogenic debris. The deeper distribution of anthropogenic debris relative to natural debris, as well as the types of debris, suggest that the primary source of anthropogenic debris is marine vessel and fishing activity.
Author Keywords: debris; Southern California Bight; continental shelves; fishing gear; baseline studies; pollution monitoring
