Distribution and Composition of Marine Debris in the Shoreline Area of Bone Bay Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is the world’s second greatest producer of plastic waste after China. The bulk of waste produced accumulates in metropolitan regions due to the increasing population, and the situation has spread to rural areas with a limited population. The residents of the Sinjai Regency have felt the impact of the growing amount of debris, and it is expected to worsen without immediate action. Coastal locations that accommodate waste from land and water are mostly affected by debris. The study was conducted in Bone Bay, Sinjai Regency’s coastline area. The bay’s condition is sheltered to decrease the current strength, but it varies from season to season. Furthermore, it used shoreline survey methodology, where debris grouping consisted of plastics, metal, rubber, glass, clothing, and others. The debris data were calculated and analyzed based on the seasons of the west (January) and east (July). The data were associated with the current pattern model in Bone Bay waters based on the season. In January and July, 86% of waste was plastic, 3% was metal, 4% was rubber, 2% was clothing, while 5% and 4% were glass.  No other types of waste were identified in January, while 1% was detected in July.  Garbage that enters through rivers, garbage deposited by local residents, and tourism activities at the four observation areas are all contributing to the presence of waste in Sinjai’s coastal area.