Beach litter contamination of the Turkish middle Black Sea coasts: Spatial and temporal variation, composition, and possible sources

Marine litter is one of the biggest environmental problems nowadays. Sinop, is located in the heart of Turkiye's Black Sea coast, has a small population, and is a popular fishing and tourist destination. In this study, marine litter amount, composition, and possible sources were investigated, and seasonal comparisons were made be-tween in Sinop beaches. Marine litter amount was found as 0.29-7.67 items.m(-2) and 3.46-49.09 g.m(-2) and beaches were classified as moderate to extremely dirty. Plastics were the highest ratio (88.14-98.46 %) and "plastic pieces 2.5 > < 50 cm " were the major litter type. The major possible litter source was improper waste disposal (33.36 %) and litter items originated from mainly land-based sources (74.13 %). The result of this study shows that there is a significant litter problem on the coasts. The solution of this problem can be possible to take rational measures against marine litter pollution with education and management policies.