Why is regular monitoring so important?

A structured monitoring framework aims to create long-term, high-quality datasets that can be used for scientific research.
It provides a better understanding of the overall debris trends (increasing or decreasing) within a management area.
The data can be used to set targets for prevention and mitigation, and to evaluate the success of these interventions and source reduction measures.
It helps to understand the flow of debris through the litter pathway, including: the quantity, sources and common types of marine debris, where it accumulates, and if it is changing over time.
More robust data can assist with understanding the core issues on a local and global scale, supporting the case for action and change.

We can provide an open list of sites that are ideal for monitoring, and you are welcome to adopt one of these sites or propose your own.

By participating in our monitoring program, your ongoing commitment will provide essential data to help with understanding and reducing the marine debris problem on a local, national and global scale.