01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-01-0216 |
| Title of Abstract | QUANTIFYING INTER-ANNUAL PATTERNS OF MACROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN KAVARATTI AND AGATTI BEACHES OF LAKSHADWEEP ARCHIPELAGO, INDIAN OCEAN |
| Authors | KIRTHIGA SS*, Dhinesh R, Anu Gopinath, Paromita Chakraborthy, Arya P Kumar, Mahendra R S, T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Sudheer Joseph, Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Harikumar R, Abdul Raheem C N |
| Organisation | Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala |
| Address | Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) Kochi, Kerala, India Pincode: 682506 E-mail: sskkirthiga@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Macroplastic pollution poses a significant threat to the ecological integrity of small island coastal ecosystems, in which these environments are particularly vulnerable to macroplastic contamination due to their geographical isolation, proximity to major oceanic current systems, and dependence on marine-based livelihoods, together facilitating both local and long-distance debris inputs. This study investigated the inter-annual variability of macroplastic debris on beaches during 2024 and 2025 across Kavaratti and Agatti beaches of the Lakshadweep archipelago. Systematic beach surveys carried out documented that predominant macroplastic types, including plastic fragments, thin sheet-like films (single-use bags and wrappers), ropes, and other discarded fishing gear, highlighting the pervasive influence of local anthropogenic activities and coastal tourism. Spatial and inter-annual variation in microplastic distribution patterns were quantified using standardised indices, including the Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Pollution Load Index (PPLI) and Beach Debris Accumulation Index (BDAI), to assess pollution intensity and facilitate comparative analysis among sites. Observed year-to-year variations indicated higher macroplastic accumulation in 2025 compared to 2024, particularly in Kavaratti, where the prevalence of single-use and tourism-related plastics exhibited the need for responsible tourism practices. The findings highlight the role of monsoonal currents, tidal dynamics, and localised human pressures in driving macroplastic distribution, emphasizing the importance of sustained monitoring, targeted mitigation measures, and integrated coastal management to preserve the ecological resilience of island beach environments. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Kavaratti, Agatti, Beach, Plastic pollution, Spatial, Single-use plastics |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 18-07-1998 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0141 |