We conduct a rapid assessment survey in a scientific way in this project. Through improving the visual quantifying technique from Japan, we train a group of surveyors to do periodical coastal rapid assessment survey after trainings and repeat examination. Through the four seasons survey, it is estimated that the total standing stock of coastal debris of Taiwan is 955 tons. It accounted for 69% of the total volume on Taiwan Island, and the outer islands accounted for 31%. The eastern part of Taiwan only accounted for 5% of the total volume, making it the cleanest section of the coastline. Taiwan’s Changhua Yunlin Chiayi and Tainan section accounts for 26% of the total amount, which is the most polluted section of the coastline; followed by Kaohsiung Pingtung section （11%）. The outlying islands account for 10% in Penghu, 14% in Kinmen and 7% in Matsu. Analyzing the composition of marine debris, fishery-relevant debris accounts for about 70% of the total garbage, of which foam buoys, fishing net ropes, hard plastic buoys and plastic bottles are the top four types of marine debris. Through continuous monitoring in four seasons, we can quantify the pollution level at each coast and identify the hot spot of marine debris, which can benefit authorities to plan effective cleanup strategy in the future.

marine debris, rapid assessment, source analysis