ECOLOGICAL RISK DUE TO MARINE DEBRIS ON THE “EL HOLANDÉS” BEACH IN GUANAHACABIBES NATIONAL PARK, CUBA

Abstract

Introduction:
The Caribbean is the second most polluted sea by debris in the world. Urban waste from this region goes to open dumps and 85% of its wastewater is not treated, arriving a great proportion to the beaches. The Guanahacabibes National Park is Biosphere Reserve and the sea turtles that nest on its beaches are on the Red List of threatened species, also there are fish associated with the coral reef and seabirds in the area.
Objective:
To determine the risk of ecological impact of debris that end on the “El Holandés” beach of the Guanahacabibes National Park on animal biota.
Materials and Methods:
The collected debris was quantified and classified by type, possible origin and color. The risk of its ecological impact on animal biota was determined.
Results and Discussion:
The areas to the east of the camp are more contaminated with the presence of marine debris. White and blue plastic predominated (mainly lids and containers); the number of fragments whose function cannot be identified is large. There is a risk that the plastic material may be swallowed by sea turtles, birds and fish by being confused with food or hinder their normal behavior. The presence of sargassum in large quantities is a source of entry of marine debris.
Conclusions:
The importance of carrying out the systematic collection of marine debris is corroborated, since it is risky for the life of sea turtles, fish and birds. There is a base line for a longitudinal study.