First Evidence of Marine Litter Associated with COVID-19 in Davao Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, apart from its health and economic impacts, has become a new contributor to marine litter. Pollution by personal protective equipment (PPE) in the environment has been recorded in different parts of the world. However, no such data is available from the Philippines. We present the first findings of a marine litter survey using an aerial drone on a beach in Davao Gulf Mindanao, Philippines, showing the first quantification of marine litter associated with COVID-19. Marine litter density was recorded at 0.7 items/m2, with plastics making up most of the identified litter. Disposable face masks made up 2% of the total litter, having a density of 0.014 items/m2. The presence of discarded PPE is a source of concern. Given that the use of PPE will continue, the number of PPE in the marine environment is expected to increase in the future. This study highlights the need to greatly improve the solid waste management of areas straddling Davao Gulf, especially in dealing with wastes that are associated with COVID-19.