Auckland's Waitematā Harbour was the focal point of groundbreaking research by University of Auckland experts, uncovering how local estuaries trap plastic waste.

Local Study Reveals Plastic Accumulation

Coastlines along the Hibiscus Coast and beyond are playing a critical role in halting the spread of plastic waste, according to research led by Associate Professor Melissa Bowen and Professor Giovanni Coco from the University of Auckland. 

The study, focused on the Waitematā Harbour, found that estuaries act as significant barriers, trapping up to 90% of floating plastic before it can reach the open ocean.

Researchers used GPS-tracked plastic packets to monitor their movement through tidal cycles in the estuary.

Remarkably, most of the plastic was found to accumulate along the shorelines, with none exiting the estuary.

The findings were consistent across various simulations, even when altering river flow rates.

This study sheds light on the underestimated role that coastlines and estuaries play in the battle against plastic pollution.

Removing plastic waste from these areas could be one of the most effective methods to prevent further ocean contamination.

It also suggests that much of the plastic waste remains close to where it is initially deposited, reinforcing the importance of local clean-up efforts.

These findings have global implications, indicating that estuaries worldwide could be similarly affected.

The study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce plastic usage and clean up local environments to combat marine pollution effectively.

Article first published in The Conversation.