Work

The untold story of Sea Caves: Lost and found anthropogenic debris in confined marine environments

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: . Most debris was primarily transported via sea-based pathways, and consisted mainly of fragmented plastics (66 %). Occasionally debris was found embedded within tar layers, producing "plastitar" deposits on cave walls. Analyses revealed that wave exposure and available beach area influenced debris retention, while differences in cave architecture resulted in distinct interior spatial deposition patterns across two cave types, leading to the formation of accumulation hotspots. Findings demonstrate that semi-submerged sea caves serve as important reservoirs for anthropogenic marine debris alongside toxic chemical components and potentially associated harmful microbiomes. Such contamination poses risks to sea cave biota and likely compromises the conservation efforts for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119065

Authors: Ioannis Savva, Leda L. Cai, Melina Marcou, Dror Angel

Institutions: University of Haifa, CMMI – Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (Cyprus), Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,740