School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences/Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland.
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences/Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork, Ireland.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2022 Jul;180:113764. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113764. Epub 2022 May 25.
Cold-water corals (CWCs) have come under threat from anthropogenic activities such as fishing despite their ecological significance as biodiversity hotspots and as such are being protected in Europe under the EU Habitats Directive with some designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). This study maps the distribution and sources of marine litter in CWC habitats in two SACs on the Irish margin. Data were collected with remotely operated vehicle in the SACs. The density, abundance and composition of litter were assessed, with differences observed between the two sites. The regional morphology influences the distribution of litter in the SACs, with CWC reefs and rock exposures trapping more marine litter. Fishing gear (80.7%) and plastics (55.1%) were commonly found. The observed fisheries-derived litter in the SACs exceed global averages of 10-20% fishing gear, suggesting the SACs appear to offer limited protection to the coral habitats with respect to marine litter.
冷水珊瑚 (CWCs) 尽管作为生物多样性热点具有重要的生态意义，但仍受到人类活动（如捕鱼）的威胁，因此在欧洲受到欧盟生境指令的保护，其中一些被指定为特殊保护区域 (SAC)。本研究绘制了爱尔兰边缘两个 SAC 中冷水珊瑚栖息地的海洋垃圾分布和来源图。在 SAC 中使用遥控潜水器收集数据。评估了垃圾的密度、丰度和组成，两个地点之间存在差异。区域形态影响 SAC 中垃圾的分布，冷水珊瑚礁和岩石暴露处捕获了更多的海洋垃圾。渔具（80.7%）和塑料（55.1%）很常见。在 SAC 中观察到的渔业衍生垃圾超过全球平均水平的 10-20%渔具，这表明 SAC 似乎对珊瑚栖息地提供的海洋垃圾保护有限。
