Mangroves Under Siege: The Plastic Trap Threatening Coastal Defence

Mangroves are nature's coastal guardians, vital for ecological harmony and protecting shoreline communities. Yet, a recent study in the Gulf of Mannar reveals they are facing a severe synthetic threat. Researchers analysed the Tuticorin coast and discovered that these vital 'blue carbon' ecosystems are effectively acting as traps for vast quantities of anthropogenic waste.

The numbers are stark. Across thirty transects, scientists recorded over 5,000 items of surficial litter. However, the 'trapped' litter—waste caught entangled within the vegetation—showed significantly higher accumulation rates. Plastic proved to be the dominant pollutant, comprising nearly 56 per cent of the debris.

Interestingly, the source of this pollution is a two-pronged attack. Land-based sources accounted for just over half the item count, while sea-based sources, primarily ALDFG (Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear), made up nearly half the weight. This is not merely an aesthetic issue; more than a third of the litter was classified as hazardous marine debris.

The ecological risk assessment categorised a significant portion of the sites as merely 'mediocre' in health. These findings underscore an urgent need for integrated management, strict policy enforcement, and community involvement to prevent these essential coastal defenders from becoming permanent plastic graveyards.