Impacts of Marine Debris and Oil: Economic and Social Costs to Coastal Communities he problem of marine litter and oil deposited on coasts is a common problem for coastal local communities and other organisations throughout the world. A wide range of studies Tand surveys employing many different methodologies have been undertaken over the years to assess the problem. These have attempted to address the problems of collecting data on the volumes, types, origin and other factors relating to marine litter and oil. There is much less research and data available about the economic and social impacts of these substances. The purpose of the project was to undertake a pilot study to investigate the cost of marine debris and oil to coastal communities and organisations. Examples include: death or injury of commercial marine life, interference with maritime traffic by damage to ships propulsion, and the costs of cleaning, collection and disposal of marine debris and oil. The project undertook to look at these and other factors and to produce a report which would attempt to identify the financial and social cost of the problem. For more information please contact: Karen Hall or Rick Nickerson at: KIMO, SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL, ENVIRONMENT & TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT, GRANTFIELD, LERWICK, SHETLAND, ZE1 0NT TEL: +44 (0)1595 744800 FAX: +44 (0)1595 695887 EMAIL:
[email protected] Impacts of Marine Debris and Oil Economic and Social Costs to Coastal Communities Karen Hall BSc (HONS) MSc Published By Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljøorganisasjon (KIMO), c/o Shetland Islands Council, Environment & Transportation Department, Grantfield, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0NT © 2000 Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljøorganisasjon (KIMO) ISBN 0904562891 FOREWORD he practice of sealing a message in a bottle, or other type of container, and casting it into the sea in the hope that someone will find it has a long history.