Vázquez Luis-Bernardo, Mansilla-Garcia Ana Victoria, García-Arroyo Michelle, MacGregor-Fors Ian
Urban Ecosystem Lab, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Panamericana y Periférico Sur S/N, 29290, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, CHIS, Mexico.
Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, 15140, Lahti, Finland.
Ambio. 2025 Apr;54(4):745-750. doi: 10.1007/s13280-025-02141-9.
The influx of international debris, especially plastic, has emerged as a significant environmental challenge for coastal ecosystems. Our study on Cozumel Island (Mexico) investigated the origin and distribution of plastic debris across nine beaches, considering factors such as wind patterns and ocean currents. Results revealed that over 90% of the waste, for which provenance could be confirmed, originated from outside the island, reflecting the global nature of marine pollution. High densities of plastic debris were found on windward beaches, with waste originating from at least 25 countries. This study underscores the pressing need for international cooperation and sustainable waste management strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of marine debris on Cozumel and similar regions. Effective policies combining ecological preservation and sustainable tourism are crucial for addressing the international issue of plastic pollution and safeguarding coastal ecosystems worldwide.
国际垃圾，尤其是塑料的涌入，已成为沿海生态系统面临的重大环境挑战。我们在墨西哥科苏梅尔岛开展的研究调查了九个海滩上塑料垃圾的来源和分布情况，同时考虑了风向模式和洋流等因素。结果显示，在可确定来源的垃圾中，超过90%来自该岛以外，这反映了海洋污染的全球性。在迎风海滩发现了高密度的塑料垃圾，这些垃圾来自至少25个国家。这项研究强调，迫切需要开展国际合作并制定可持续的废物管理战略，以减轻海洋垃圾对科苏梅尔岛及类似地区的环境影响。将生态保护与可持续旅游业相结合的有效政策对于解决塑料污染这一国际问题以及保护全球沿海生态系统至关重要。
