Plastic beaches: change of tide or change of behaviour?

Shivonne M. Peters looks at  plastics on two Tobago beaches. The key to managing waste on our beaches will have to be based on science and observation: where is it coming from? Shivonne is Managing Director of Seven Environmental, a consulting company focused on the marine sector; and a PhD candidate in Marine Sciences at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Email her at sevenenvironmental@hotmail.com

Although convenient, readily available and an everyday part of our lives, plastics pose significant dangers to marine organisms such as turtles and seabirds through ingestion and entanglement. There is also the impact on us, which can extend far beyond riverine flooding and changes to the aesthetics of our favourite outdoor recreational spots. With an economy heavily dependent on tourism, Tobago’s coastal and marine environment should be distinguishably pristine. Sadly, this is not always the case. Furthermore, it may be easy for us to focus on the plastics that we see - water bottles and Styrofoam containers - but what about those that we can’t see - micro plastics. 

THE CASE OF TWO BEACHES

A 2016 scientific study sought to uncover and compare the patterns of plastic distribution at two Tobago beaches, with a specific focus on the occurrence of micro plastics and its unseen effects on marine life through ingestion. The study would investigate plastic pollution on Carapuse Bay, which lies on the east coast below Belle Garden; and No Man’s Land in the Bon Accord Lagoon on the west coast.

Plastics at Carapuse Bay collect at the high tide mark: we need to find some way of dealing with this. Sorting and recycling? Photo courtesy Shivonne Peters

Carapuse Bay is only accessible via a short hike down the gently sloping hills of Belle Garden. The ten-minute trek takes us through lush tropical vegetation. However, the  beach is no picturesque wild coast. As far as the eye can see, plastic waste litters the beach and is visible in near-shore waters. 

On the western end of the island, at the world-famous No Man’s Land, the images of plastics strewn along the beach are far less dramatic. The difference in the number of visitors to these two beaches is staggering. Carapuse Bay is largely underutilized, whereas No Man’s Land is the go-to spot for locals and tourists alike and is an integral part of the Buccoo Reef Tour. So what factors really affect the distribution of plastics along Tobago’s beaches? Is it as the direct result of tourism-related activities? And in that case, do we only have ourselves to blame? 

Interestingly, at Carapuse Bay, ocean currents were the most influential factor as both macro and micro plastics were concentrated along the high tide line. The current influx of plastics from the ocean coupled with high wave action along this coastline provides the conditions for the breakdown of larger pieces into micro plastics. While some plastic items found along the beach were sold locally, a significant number of plastic bottles had labels written in foreign languages. Here, it may be concluded that a combination of strong ocean currents, improper waste disposal in local communities and unregulated shipping resulted in this dense distribution of plastics.

Garbage at Carapuse Bay on the east coast is brought by the ocean currents. Photo courtesy Shivonne Peters

At No Man’s Land, it was clear that the source of plastic waste originated directly from users of the space. Discarded items were either left in heaps or placed in bags that were often tied to trees. Clean-up activities, although infrequent, together with low wave action meant that plastics here were less likely to degrade into smaller particles. This was in fact good news since this ecologically diverse area is home to many fish species and sessile or slow moving organisms which would likely ingest micro-plastics present in their environment.  To validate this assumption, near-shore coastal waters and the excrement of sea cucumbers were surveyed for micro plastics; fortunately, no particles were found. 

No Man’s Land in the Bon Accord lagoon is left clean by tour operators who manage their visitors. Photo courtesy Shivonne Peters

Two years later, Tobago in 2018, there are advancements not only in rehabilitation efforts but also with respect to mechanisms to curb unsustainable environmental practices. The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held in September was successful in engaging a number of civil society groups and government agencies to collect waste and data at eight sites around Tobago. Similarly, the second phase of the coastal management initiative at No Man’s Land was held earlier in October. Beyond the efforts focused on coastal areas, other activities such as Recyclemania (an initiative of the THA) and plastic bottle collection in several Tobago communities serve to impact behaviours and perceptions at the individual and collective levels. Nationally, the increase in littering fines for 2019 should function as a deterrent to poor practices and an impetus for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

No Man’s Land is now devoid of plastic waste, or waste of any kind for that matter and signage was erected to encourage removal of garbage. This is due in large part to local operators and government agencies who have taken the responsibility for the area’s waste management. However, it is left to be seen if this sense of responsibility will resonate in the consciousness of the everyday visitor, and waste removal becomes a habitual process. 

New signage at No Man’s Land. Photo courtesy Shivonne Peters

At Carapuse Bay, on the other hand, the plastic problem persists to today. A recent visit to the area saw the same conditions as in 2016 with both macro and micro plastics covering the shoreline. The sight of local recreational fishers on the rocky outcrops of the Bay is disturbing given the large quantities of plastics, especially those small enough to be consumed by marine life. Efforts to manage plastic waste at this site would need to be focused both on regular removal at the site and on reducing what comes in on the tide. 

THE WAY FORWARD FOR TOBAGO

Although we have a long way to go, there’s still hope in our battle against plastic pollution. In some cases, the efforts to reduce plastic waste on Tobago’s beaches have been successful, especially in those areas where waste generation is directly related to local use. Educational programs in schools and communities together with adequate waste disposal facilities must be well-managed and consistent. Government agencies can also implement incentive systems for waste collection and recycling, thereby generating livelihoods and opportunities for the creation of products made from waste materials. Then, there’s also the option of innovation to create mechanisms that can remove waste from our coastal waters before they accumulate onshore. Ultimately, the management of our coastal areas should be based on consistent scientific monitoring.  In this way, we will ensure better behaviours from immediate users of our beaches; and hopefully be able to deal with what comes ashore; in order to preserve and protect our natural resources.